AP
April 5, 2024

MADRID, Spain (AP) � Spanish tennis stars Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal said on Monday they weren't fazed by hyped expectations from home fans for their Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands this week.

Spain, the 2003 runner-up, will play on clay in a specially constructed 10,000-seat venue at Palma de Mallorca's bullfighting arena, starting on Friday.

"Playing at home, Spain is accustomed to being favorite and to coming out onto the court with that added pressure. It shouldn't represent any problem. I've been used to playing under pressure for years," said Moya, a former world No. 1.

Moya and French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero return to the team after they were forced out by injury from the first-round victory over the Czech Republic in February.

The team also includes 17-year-old Nadal, who defeated world No. 1 Roger Federer in the Nasdaq-100 Open last week, and Tommy Robredo, ranked 21.

The Netherlands team of Martin Verkerk, Sjeng Schalken, Raemon Sluiter and John van Lottum practiced on the court on Monday.

Both teams are to be received on Tuesday at Palma City Hall in a formal ceremony.