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Spain has suffered another major blow as Roberto Bautista Agut has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Finals due to an abdominal injury, it was announced on Tuesday. Spain suffered its biggest blow in August when Rafael Nadal put an end to his season due to a foot issue.
Nadal is the highest-ranked Spanish tennis player, while Bautista Agut is the second highest-ranked player from the country Spain Davis Cup captain initially nominated Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, Carlos Alcaraz, Feliciano Lopez and Marcel Granollers.
After Bautista Agut pulled out, Bruguera selected Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
The Bautista Agut withdrawal hurts Spain's chances
"Everyone is really looking forward to it. All the players I have selected are in good shape and ready to give their all.
I cannot deny that playing at home is a real advantage, it gives us a lot because during this type of competition the public is an important factor which can be decisive," Bruguera said just days before Bautista Agut pulled out.
Last month, Lopez said it would be a different story with Nadal available but added he's still happy about Spain's chances at the Davis Cup Finals. "We have a very complete team, but obviously we will not have Rafa, who last time played singles and doubles.
Without him, the chances are much lower. Alcaraz will make his debut and he can beat anyone, Roberto and Pablo are established players and we have options in the doubles. It is a complete team but with Rafa it would be different story," Lopez said in October.
Nadal led Spain to winning the inaugural Davis Cup Finals in 2019. "I love the Olympic Games; I had a great time in Rio in 2016. Marc Lopez and I won the doubles gold medal, and that made it even better. I believe it is an amazing experience to be sharing the same place with all the other athletes from all different competitions.
I enjoy very much playing the team competitions and love to play for my country. Competing at the Davis Cup Finals in front of the home fans in Madrid was also special," Nadal said after leading Spain to the 2019 Davis Cup Finals title.
