The defeat in the 2020 final against Serbia represents a remarkable incentive for Spain, which appears in Melbourne as one of the favorites for the triumph in the ATP Cup.

Rafa Nadal

, leader of a team completed by

Roberto Bautista

,

Pablo Carreño

and

Marcel Granollers

, will be in charge of opening fire on Tuesday against

Alex de Miñaur

(9:30 am) in the reissue of a duel that a year ago already gave much of itself.

"It was a very exciting game in which I was not entirely successful. Alex has many virtues and I will have to do my best to win," Nadal ventured, with fresh memory of that victory in Sydney that granted access to the final (4-6, 7-5, 6-1).

Today, despite all the drawbacks of the pandemic, the Mallorcan seems ready to start on the right foot in Group B, where Greece also awaits.

The role of Bautista, who a year ago did not lose a single set in his six games, seems crucial for the team captained by

Pepe Vendrell

, his personal coach.

Nor should we forget the contribution of Granollers in doubles points.

For now, the first step must be drawn before the hosts, who complete their training with

John Millman

,

John Peers

and

Luke Saville

.

Only the leadership of the group ensures a place for the semifinals.

"Positive preparation"

Following his victory over

Dominic Thiem

in an exhibition match in Adelaide, Nadal seems to be brimming with good feelings.

"For me, personally, the preparation has been positive," stressed the champion of 20 'majors'.

"I think I have done the things I had to do to be prepared. Now is the time to start playing," he warned.

Gone are the difficulties of Covid-19 and the continuous requirements of the health authorities.

"We have done about 14 PCRs and those who flew with some positive cases were kept in strict quarantine for 15 days. This guaranteed that we are not a risk for the rest of Australians. In other countries such as Spain or France all this is unthinkable" , valued the Mallorcan.

The memory of the ovations on Friday in Adelaide, with the stands full, also stimulates Nadal. "It was nice to be able to play like this again. The public is an important factor and without that the sport loses a lot of incentive," he said.

By extension, his accolades carried across Australia.

"It is incredible to see how this country has handled the pandemic. They have everything very controlled. Without a doubt, it should serve as an example for the rest of the world," he added.

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  • Pablo Carreño

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