Roger Federer is backing his legendary rival Rafael Nadal to lead Spain to a fifth Davis Cup title this weekend.
"I’m sure it’s an open match in some ways but I think Spain are really the overwhelming favourite," Federer said. "They are playing at home and they have an incredibly solid team. The Argentineans have their players and their team and anything is possible, but obviously it’s normal to favour the Spaniards with Rafa on the team, back on clay.”
His thoughts were echoed by Tomas Berdych, a man who knows what it's like to face the might of Spain on the red dirt. Berdych was crushed in straight sets by Nadal in the opening rubber of the 2009 final as Spain raced to a 5-0 whitewash.
"I know what he (Nadal)’s able to do on clay and he’s going to be really strong,” Berdych told the press. And David [Ferrer] might be a bit tired but he also loves to play on clay and especially in Spain. I think it’s going to be a really tough one and I think Spain is the favourite and they are going to win.”
Federer himself has never competed in a Davis Cup final but the Swiss may decide to give the competition more attention over the next couple of years as time starts to run out. Switzerland are now back in the World Group and play the United States in a sell-out first round tie in February.
