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9/17/12 3:47 PM | Johan Lindahl
After pacing the Czech Republic into a second Davis Cup final in four editions, Tomas Berdych believes the November final against Spain will depend on the fitness of Rafael Nadal.
The Spaniard has not played in two and a half months and has announced no return date as a knee tendinitis problem takes its time in healing.
"It is an open final, it depends on if Nadal is fit," Berdych said. "But it will be crucial playing in the Czech Republic where we can choose the surface."
Berdych scored three points in the 3-1 semifinal victory in Buenos Aires over Argentina, which was without Juan Martin Del Potro on the final day due to a lingering left wrist injury. World No. 6 Berdych played on the Czech team that lost the 2009 final in Barcelona to Spain.
The weekend result was sweet revenge for the US Open semifinalist, who made the quick change from hard courts to clay in a few days. Berdych iced the Czech win on the final day at the Parque Roca in the Argentine capital, defeating substitute Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 after winning his opening singles over Juan Monaco and playing on the victorious doubles team.
"I'm feeling pretty happy, we have ended Argentina's 14-year winning streak at home," said Berdych. "This is the highest I could get in my career. I'm really looking forward to the final. We'll give our all and it will be good to do that at home.
"We were definitely not the favorites for the tie but it’s not important every time for my point of view," said Berdych. "I was feeling really, really well coming from the States, playing the (Open) semifinals, beating Roger Federer, playing very close match against the winner of the Open, Andy Murray, so I was feeling really good.
"I wanted to show it here that my game is on top and I can play well. I did it, won my two singles, made half a point in the doubles and that’s it, what we needed."
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nobody here actually thinks Nadal will play. It's not just me.
RickyDimon , 9/17/12 9:39 PM
Fair enough but I happen to think there's a chance he will play. Sure it won't be clay in Spain but the competitor in him won't want to watch Berdy and Rosol holding Spain's trophy.
chr18 , 9/17/12 11:39 PM
I trust the fighting qualities of David Ferrer and believe that he can beat both Berdy and Stepanek. The other team members will also give of their best and that is all anyone can expect from them.
I know that the Czechs will have the surface and home advantage but we shall have to see what happens.
schatz , 9/18/12 2:03 AM
even Nadal is actually back to playing shape (extremely doubtful), there is now way he is going to allow Corretja to put him in there without any match practice ahead of Ferrer and whoever else.
I doubt Nadal would even play this on a clay court. There's no WAY he will play it on a fast hard court.
RickyDimon , 9/18/12 3:39 AM
When will they announce the surface? I'd love to see some good old indoor carpet! Ok Ricky you've convinced me.
chr18 , 9/18/12 4:06 AM
^^^^ indoor carpet. it doesn't have to be announced. there is no other option.
RickyDimon , 9/18/12 4:43 AM
indoor grass sounds like a fun option. hopefully nadal will be on the bench supporting his team...
croc , 9/18/12 10:05 AM
He might not be on the bench. I seem to remember when he was unable to play in Argentinia he was asked not to attend as it was thought it would be distracting for the rest of the team for him to be there but not participating.
ed251137 , 9/18/12 10:28 AM
I don't think Rafa will be playing or will be there to support them. He was even not there at Gijon in Spain, so I doubt he'll be there in the Czech Republic. Might as well let Ferrer and company finish the job, and get all the glory should they succeed in defending the title. I don't think Rafa will be in tip top condition by then to play, so with or without him, Spain may win or may lose (in other words, there's no difference whether Rafa is there or not, IMO).
luckystar , 9/18/12 11:42 AM
I agree it would be better for Rafa not to play - I am sure he will be in touch with them and supporting them from wherever he is though.
schatz , 9/18/12 5:16 PM
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I hope they play it on indoor grass. Oh and Berdy doesn't have to worry because Ricky Dimon says Nadal won't play.
chr18 , 9/17/12 7:30 PM