Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal's bulls respect Indian tigers

New Delhi: Star-studded Spain might be favourites going into the Davis Cup World Group playoff against India, but Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer don’t want to take the hosts lightly.

“In Davis Cup, special things happen. It had happened in the past, when we lost a couple of confrontations. We believed we were favourites, we were in a good position to win,” Nadal said on Tuesday.

“So a lot of respect for all opponents... Indian players. They have a good doubles team. We need to be focused from the beginning,” he added.

“We hope things change. We have a lot of tennis tradition back home and a team like Spain should be in the World Group. Our immediate target is to return to the World Group. Spain have been out of the World Group for a couple of years and we would like to be back there,” said Nadal, who has been playing Davis Cup since 17.

Ferrer, a three-time Davis Cup champion with Spain, reiterarted that the hosts would not be easy opponents. “It will be difficult. We are the favourites by rankings but the conditions are different, a lot humidity. I will try to give my best.”

The evening schedule has drawn a lot of attention, and Feliciano Lopez said it would be an advantage. “Conditions don’t count every time. We play in places where there’s lot of humidity. And it’s very humid here but the fact that we will play in the evening is an advantage. To play in such conditions will be tough for everyone.”