Spain To Face Argentina In Davis Cup Final

Novak Djokovic’s ailing back didn’t hold up Sunday, meaning Rafael Nadal won’t have to face his main nemesis in this year’s Davis Cup final.

Djokovic tried to help Serbia stage a comeback in their semifinal against Argentina despite a lingering back problem, but had to retire when trailing 7-6 (5), 3-0 against Juan Martin del Potro. That sent Argentina into the final against Spain, which advanced after Nadal routed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-0, 6-2, 6-4 on clay in Cordoba.

“I feel disappointed to end this tie this way,” Djokovic said. “My condition was 60 percent of what I had expected.”

Argentina ended up winning 3-2 after Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic took the final meaningless match when Juan Monaco retired after losing the first set 6-2. Spain completed a 4-1 win after Fernando Verdasco beat Richard Gasquet in the final match.

Djokovic didn’t play at all on Friday, pulling out of the opening singles because his back had not recovered sufficiently from the injury he sustained during Monday’s U.S. Open final victory over Nadal.


From: http://ping.fm/qYl2U