Reuters

February 5, 2025

BRNO, Czech Republic, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Spanish teenager Rafael Nadal will make his Davis Cup debut against Czech number one Jiri Novak in the opening singles of this weekend's first-round World Group match.

The 17-year-old, ranked 40th in the world, will take to the carpet court against the experienced Novak, world number 16, at 1300 GMT on Friday.

"Nadal can just go out there and play without any pressure," said Spain captain Jordi Arrese. "He has nothing to lose. We expect him to play both matches."

Spain's number one Tommy Robredo will face Radek Stepanek in the second singles match.

All four are scheduled to play in Saturday's doubles before Robredo and Novak meet in the first reverse singles on Sunday.

Czech captain Cyril Suk said the Spanish line-up was a slight surprise.

"We counted on many possibilities, but in the end it doesn't really matter. I really believe we will do everything we can to win," he said.

Nadal has shown good early season form, putting up a tough fight before losing to Lleyton Hewitt in the Australian Open third round. Novak lost to Romanian Andrei Pavel in the third round.

Spanish tennis federation chief Augustin Pujol said the Czechs were the favourites.

Spain, who lost to Australia in last year's Davis Cup final, are severely depleted by injury following the withdrawal of world number two Juan Carlos Ferrero and world number seven Carlos Moya.

"They are at full strength with Novak, while we are missing Ferrero and Moya. But we have young talent and strong selections, so we will be very tough opponents.," he said.

The countries have met four times in the Davis Cup but not since 1972. They have won twice each.