This year's edition of the Davis Cup final will provide a slightly different dynamic than in previous seasons. Even though Spain remains the overwhelming favorite against the Czech Republic, a slightly black-and-blue Spanish team may be in trouble.

Led by puissant clay court player Rafael Nadal, the Spanish team finds itself residing in the doubt of its top player.

Nadal, who has lost his last four matches on the circuit, comes into the Palau Sant Jordi Arena with a 10-0 lifetime singles record when competing on clay. The former world No. 1 and six-time Slam Champion has drop a few pounds and will be competing on the dirt for the first time since losing in the fourth round of the French Open to Robin Soderling.

The Davis Cup final, if anything, could prove to be a vital boost in the career of Nadal.

If Nadal were to lose his first ever Davis Cup clay court match this weekend, alarm bells would certainly be in order.

However, if Nadal is able to convincingly propel his squad to their fourth career title, a much-needed jolt of confidence would definitely be offered heading into next season.

"The Davis Cup is my main objective remaining for the year," Nadal said in an interview with Magazine Digital (www.magazinedigital.com) on Sunday.

Nadal continued, saying, "To play in the Palau Sant Jordi, where I carried the team flag in 2000, and experience that now as a player and not a spectator will be a marvellous experience."

Nadal will not be alone in his efforts in capturing Davis Cup supremacy, holding a strong supporting cast of players which includes: Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, and Feliciano Lopez.

Verdasco, who was an intricate player in clinching Spain's victory over Argentina last year, has put forth a banner season, ending as the No. 9 player in the world.

Verdasco, much like Nadal, has had his share of injuries and will be coming into Barcelona on an equal four match losing streak.

Verdasco's best surface is by no means clay, and it would not be surprising to see team captain Albert Costa choose scrappy veteran David Ferrer as a singles player.

Ferrer, who has encountered his own set of woes this season, thrives on the crushed brick and could very well become the x-factor of the weekend.

On again, off again Lopez will be the fourth man on the team, adding his nasty left-handed serve and volley to the weekend's doubles competition.

Lopez has resurrected his singles career to in the past few months, reaching the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters 1000 and quarterfinals in Austria.

 

Czech Mate?

Led by none other than Radek "The Worm" Stepanek, the Czech Republic will be vying for their second career title after capturing their first in 1980.

Stepanek's epic six-hour marathon win over Ivo Karlovic in the semifinals in Croatia was instrumental in propelling his squad to the finals. Stepanek's sleek serve and volley game could post a significant degree of difficulty for the Spaniards, seeing as his brand of tennis is almost obsolete on Tour.

Stepanek will be joined by former top 10 talent Tomas Berdych, French and US Open doubles champion Lukas Dlouhy, and Davis Cup newcomer Jan Hajek.

Team captain Jaroslav Navratil will have his work cut out for him this weekend, likely requiring Stepanek to play all three days.

Clay is by far the Czechs' least liked surface, but when taking into account the injuries of Nadal and Verdasco, the outcome of the finals remains in the bounds.

The surprisingly cool conditions in Barcelona this week, which accentuate Nadal's spin and fitness, could make the Czechs' title run less likely.

Stepanek was candid when expressing dislike for the cooler conditions in Spain.

“We have blue hands after practice, but it doesn’t bother us. We laugh about it and it’s the same for both teams!” said Stepanek.

“Hopefully with 16,000 people in the stadium, it will be a little bit warmer!” remarked Czech captain Jaroslav Navratil at Tuesday’s pre-draw press conference.

Stepanek, who has never shied away from long matches, shared his thoughts on the keys to victory.

“If it takes 10 hours to win the match and bring the point for our team, I will be there for 10 hours,” says Stepanek. “You have to be mentally strong, especially in the moments when the matches could go either way. When you feel the pressure, you have to stay focused and not show the negative emotions to the other guy. I’m strong inside, I’m not just playing it, I know I’m strong and I’m proving it even when I’m playing six hour matches.”

Berdych, who made the fourth round of Roland Garros in 2005, spoke about the challenges of playing Nadal on clay.

“It’s going to be tough to find the keys,” said the world ranked No. 20, who has lost his last four matches against Nadal. “For me the most important thing is to bring a little more than 100 percent of my game to the court, and then there is a chance to beat Rafa. Definitely I’m not going to be the favourite, but I’m going to be there on the court trying my best.”

All in all, the Czechs will be the severe underdogs in this tie. The only opportunity for an upset this weekend will be to focus on winning the doubles, then defeating Verdasco.

As mentioned, in the event that Spain chooses Ferrer instead of Verdasco to partake in the singles competition, one would have to think that his clay court prowess would remain at an elite enough level to oust either Stepanek or Berdych.

Bottom line, regardless of the conditions and the confidence level of Nadal, Spain has simply too many options and too much experience to not slide away with yet another Davis Cup victory.

It should be a sold out encounter in Barcelona, but don't expect anything short of the red and yellow prevailing on Sunday.

 

Prediction: Spain wins 4-1.

 

Please check back throughout the weekend for continuing daily coverage from Davis Cup final in Spain.

Additional quotes courtesy daviscup.org