Sporting Life
February 10, 2025

Rafael Nadal admits he was elated, and relieved, at helping guide Spain to Davis Cup victory on Sunday.

Nadal, at 17 the youngest player to represent the country in the competition, won a crucial fifth-rubber encounter against Radek Stepanek to help Jordi Arrese's men to a 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic in Brno.

Nadal triumphed 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to secure his nation a place in the quarter-finals, where they will play the Netherlands.

The Mallorcan believes the win justified Arrese's decision to select him after the team's plans had been thrown into disarray by the withdrawals through injury of Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya.

"It was hard to have faith in a 17-year-old boy and they did that," Nadal told Marca.

"I am very grateful they did and pleased I didn't let anyone down.

"I knew last Friday that I would have to play in a theoretical decider and I was prepared to do just that.

"I play better when I am under pressure, but you never know what is going to happen in this sport."

Nadal also revealed that he was in regular contact with Moya, who also hails from Mallorca, throughout the tie and that the experienced former French Open champion had been an enormous help.

"I am very grateful to Carlos because he has helped me become a better player when I was out there. He spoke to me every day and he sent me a message half an hour before my game," he said.

Nadal is now hoping the last-eight tie with the Netherlands will be played on his home island.

"I hope it (Mallorca) gets it, even if I am not in the team," he added.

"If I'm there or not is down to the captain, but it would be good to play at home close to my family and friends."