体坛英语资讯：Nadal spearheads Spain in Davis Cup defense

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal said on Thursday that he was up to the challenge of leading his country's mission to retain tennis David Cup.

Spain meets the Czech Republic over three days in Barcelona, starting on Friday. The Spanish team, consisting of Nadal, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco, aims to repeat the feat the Sweden achieved in 1998 of defending the title for which Spain won last year in Argentina.

Nadal, currently ranked number two in the World after a season interrupted by injuries will be first on court, in which he faces Tomas Berdych in the opening singles rubber on Friday afternoon.

Spain's Rafael Nadal trains at Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona Dec. 2, 2009. Spain and the Czech Republic will play their Davis Cup final from 4th to 6th in Barcelona

His contribution will be vital to the Spanish triumph, but Nadal was at pains to highlight he was only part of a four-man team.

"They didn't need me last year, I was just another spectator," he said in Thursday's press conference.

The Spanish have opted to play on clay, which is their favorite playing surface, but Nadal admitted he would have some problems returning to a surface that is used more in the early part of the season than at this time of year.

He has not played on a clay court since his defeat in the French Open at the end of May.

"Obviously you need time to adapt to a change of surface and within the time I've been available to do that, I think I have adapted well."

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their ATP World Tour Finals Group B Singles third round match in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 27, 2009. Nadal lost 0-2.

"I have to start well from the very beginning, I have been training well and I am optimistic it will be enough. We have worked well," said the Spaniard. Spain has the advantage of playing in front of its fans, as it has in two of its Davis Cup wins, Nadal hoped that the Spanish support would once again be a factor in this final.

"The public has got a key role to play and it is a point in our favor to have them on our side. The two advantages you have in Davis Cup are being able to choose what surface you play on and having your public. We know that it can help you win," he said.

Spain captain Albert Costa has decided not to risk Verdasco's fitness in singles. Verdasco has been struggling with a problem in his right leg and Costa has decided that he will partner Lopez in Saturday's doubles with Ferrer following Nadal on court for the second rubber of the day.