Feliciano Lopez has chosen Rafael Nadal over Carlos Alcaraz in his preferred ATP Davis Cup singles team.
22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal has been absent from the sport since January this year after he crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round. The Spaniard lost to Mackenzie McDonald, who won the match in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
Since then, the 37-year-old has been dealing with an injury that has forced him to miss the rest of the 2023 season, but he has said that he is aiming to come back at the 2024 Melbourne Slam.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz has been having a strong season, with the 20-year-old securing his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon this year. The World No. 2 was originally named as part of the team set to compete in the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage in Valencia from September 12-17, but due to its proximity to the US Open, Alcaraz decided to withdraw.
Now, their compatriot Lopez, who retired from the sport earlier this year, has revealed who he would prefer for the singles tie at the Davis Cup.
"From what I have seen, yes, of course. Alcaraz I imagine that he is going to win many games in this competition, but so far I have only seen one of him. From what I have experienced, I would put Nadal and Ferrer in the individual, that is clear to me," he said in an interview with Punto de Break.
Lopez also disclosed his picks for doubles.
"In the doubles there would be more options, because I played well with Fernando (Verdasco) for a time, I could also play with Marc (López), Marc and Rafa would also be a brutal couple," he continued.
Unfortunately, team Spain made a surprisingly early exit at this year's Davis Cup, being ousted from their Group Stage by Serbia.
Spain OUT of the 2023 Davis Cup during the group stages, and have failed to qualify for the Final 8 in November. The Davis Cup’s most successful player, Rafael Nadal, mentioned that as a possible comeback date. Out of the picture now. Looks like Australia, at the earliest.🇪🇸
