Davis Cup - Spain players rebel over Davis Cup venue

Eurosport - Wed, 07 May 13:48:00 2008

Spain's top players have rebelled against Pedro Munoz, head of the Spanish tennis federation, in a row over the choice of venue for September's Davis Cup semi-final against the United States.

TENNIS 2008 ATP Barcelona Rafa Nadal - 0

World number two Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Carlos Moya, Tommy Robredo, Nicolas Almagro, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez have all refused to do public and promotional events for the RFET while Munoz is still president.

"We feel obliged to make public our unease and disagreement with the president of the RFET and his management," the players stated.

"We have been continually misled over decisions from the outset of his tenure."

Spanish media have reported that Madrid will be named as the venue for September's Davis Cup semi-final, although a decision has yet to be made official.

The players would reportedly prefer a venue at sea level that would be slower because the altitude in the Spanish capital would favour the big-serving U.S. team.

"This dispute isn't specifically about whether or not Madrid is the venue," the statement continued.

"The players and Davis Cup team captain [Emilio Sanchez Vicario] have once again been misled, and a promise has not been kept to defend and approve the conditions established for us so as not to give our rivals an advantage.

"Also, other venues have not been given a real chance."

Spain are due to play the United States on September 19-21.

Reuters