Barcelona, Dec 3 (DPA) Fernando Verdasco is working hard on staying humble as defending champion Spain enter the Davis Cup final later Friday against the Czech Republic as heavy favourites.
The world number nine is expected to pack the one-two punch in singles for the hosts with Rafael Nadal when the draw is made later Thursday.
David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez make up the rest of the squad for a nation seeking a fourth Davis Cup title this decade.
Both Verdasco and Nadal have at least a few small points to quickly prove after each left last week’s season-ending World Tour Finals with 0-3 records in group play.
Verdasco played the hero’s role in the 2008 Spanish Davis Cup finals triumph over Argentina in South America, starring in the injury absence of Nadal.
“One thing is for sure, we must not enter this final thinking the job is already done,” said Verdasco in the run-up to the contest on indoor clay at the Palau Sant Jordi against the hungry Czechs.
“In that case, we might end up like Argentina in last year’s final against us in Mar del Plata.
“We are favourites, but it doesn’t mean that we are already champions. We must enter the final with a humble attitude, it means nothing that we won the last 17 ties as the hosting team.”
Nadal needs a big weekend to power his confidence for 2010 after suffering major setbacks this season from injuries and family worries after his parents separated.
“Clay is going to be a big change,” said the world number two, who lost his first career match on the Roland Garros clay five months ago.
“But it’s big motivation for me to finish the year winning. I have the opportunity to play well, to play good tennis on clay, and to win something important for my country.”
But the Czechs, whose lone title in the worldwide team competition came in 1980 as Czechoslovakia, also have something to prove.
Expected to be on hand as a spectator is former star player Ivan Lendl.
Veteran Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych will power the visitors and will have the advantage of having had several weeks of practice on that surface.
Stepanek arrived after sessions in Florida and joined the team late. Berdych played a semi-final at his last event of the season three weeks ago in Paris.
Stepanek was unimpressed by the fearsome reputation of Spain at home. “It’s fifty-fifty — not a point less, nor a point more.
“Our spirits are very high. We beat tough nations including France, Argentina and Croatia to get to this final. We know it will be very tough, but we are ready to fight for three points.”
Stepanek was beaten by Nadal five years ago in a decisive fifth rubber when the Spanish player was just a teenager and they played in the Czech Republic, with Spain eventually taking the title that year over the US in Seville.
“I’ll never forget that match,” said Stepanek. “But things have changed since.
“We are totally different today then five years ago. It’s on clay in Spain and not fast indoor in Brno. Nadal plays differently today, it’s always be better for him on clay.”
Injuries appear to be receding for Verdasco. Team doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro has confirmed that his leg injury is coming along and should not prevent Verdasco from taking his place on court.
The Czechs are also fit. “Preparation has gone as well as can be expected,” said captain Jaroslav Navratil. “We’ve been working hard and, most importantly, the players have no injury or health worries.”
Singles play begins Friday with doubles on Saturday and reverse singles Sunday. Spain holds a 3-2 lead in the series.
rounak