David Cup: Nadal expects to play against Israel in semis

The world No. 2, who will return to the court in Montreal next week to defend the title he won there last year.

By ALLON SINAI
Nadal 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
Nadal 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
The Spanish Tennis Federation will announce on Wednesday where it will host the Davis Cup semifinal against Israel, while Rafael Nadal said on Tuesday that he intends to take part in the tie over the weekend of September 18-20. Seven different cities have applied to host the tie and after delaying its decision time and again the Spanish Federation will need to notify the International Tennis Federation of its choice on Wednesday. The world No. 2, who will return to the court in Montreal next week to defend the title he won there last year, spoke to Spanish daily Marca and claimed that Spain should have no trouble overcoming Israel on the way to a second straight final. Croatia hosts the Czech Republic in the other semifinal. "Davis Cup is always on my calendar," said Nadal when asked if he would play in the competition. "Provided I don't suffer any setbacks, and am selected, I would play Montreal, Cincinnati, US Open and Davis Cup." Nadal doesn't feel Israel will cause his team any real trouble. "Realistically at home, it's a tie that we shouldn't lose," said Nadal. "We must be cautious and prepare properly. If we understand that we will win."