Reuters
January 27, 2025

MADRID, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal is set to become Spain's youngest Davis Cup player after being named in the squad to face the Czech Republic next month.

The 17-year-old Nadal is joined by Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya and Tommy Robredo in the team for the first round tie from February 6-8 in Brno.

Nadal reached the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne before losing to Lleyton Hewitt who described the young Spaniard as "a hell of a player."

Spain, runners-up to Australia in last year's competition, put Albert Costa and Feliciano Lopez on stand-by in case Moya and Ferrero are forced to pull out.

Moya had to withdraw before the start of the Australian Open because of an ankle injury, while Ferrero is nursing shoulder and elbow injuries.

Spain's youngest Davis Cup player to date is Jose Luis Arilla, who was 18 when he made his debut in 1959.