I am not afraid of Rafa Nadal's abdominal issue, says Davis Cup chief
Speaking with AS, Davis Cup Tournament Director Albert Costa spoke about Rafael Nadal trying to recover from an abdominal issue and playing this year's ATP Finals in London. Costa said: "I am not afraid of it. If he doesn't see himself at 100 percent at the ATP Finals in London, and hopefully, he will be there and he can win a title he doesn't have and end as a number one, I think he will not play. Besides Masters, he has the Davis Cup on his mind without a doubt and playing in Madrid with his team is something he likes. It's a special motivation. He is a number one, a leader and an example. Everything Rafa gives is positive and the others take this energy."
On possibly combining Davis and ATP Cups, Costa said: "We will work on it. Gerard Pique is open on negotiating with ATP, that will have a new Chairman (Andrea Gaudenzi). He was a friend of mine and with him you have an open and easy communication. We will fight so that it happens. It would be good for tennis that there would be just one-country competitions with all the authorities involved."
Could they find other dates since Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic have withdrawn? "Possibly. But you have injuries during the entire year. We will see in 2021. In 2020 it will be in Madrid and in November. Then... There is also the project of organizing a joint event with the Fed Cup."
Costa was the Barcelona Open Tournament Director for years. Some weeks ago, it was announced that former world No. 3 David Ferrer would replace him.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2K9pE3h
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