Spain’s Davis Cup Team Arrives in Marbella for Qualifying Clash Against Romania
The Spanish Davis Cup team has arrived in Marbella, ready to face off against Romania in the qualifying round at Puente Romano Club de Tennis. The team, which includes world No.18 Roberto Bautista and world No.21 Pablo Carreno Busta, will be playing on the club’s clay courts this Saturday, March 5. This is the first time Sergi Brugera’s team will be competing on clay in the Davis Cup Qualifiers.
Spain and Romania’s Journey to the Qualifying Round
Spain, the host in 2019 and defending champion in 2021, has not yet competed in this round of the competition. On the other hand, Romania secured their spot in the qualifiers after a 4-0 victory over Peru in the World Group knock-outs last November. This followed a 3-1 win over Portugal in the World Group 1 Play Offs.
Spotlight on 18-Year-Old Carlos Alcaraz
While star player Rafael Nadal will be absent from the match, all eyes are on 18-year-old world No.31 Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz was unable to showcase his full potential in last year’s Finals due to testing positive for Covid-19 the night before the match.
Marbella’s Puente Romano Club de Tennis: A Favored Venue
Marbella’s Puente Romano Club de Tennis has proven to be a successful venue for the Spanish team in the past, with notable victories against Mexico, Germany, and Great Britain. This marks the fourth time the southern Spanish town has hosted a David Cup tie.
Andalucia’s Role in Promoting Sports
Juanma Moreno, the president of the Junta de Andalucia, expressed that events like the Davis Cup have a significant impact on promoting Andalucia. They attract numerous fans and media attention to the region. He emphasized that Andalucia is an excellent region for sports and expressed his desire to continue hosting events like this.
Tribute to Spanish Tennis Legend Manolo Santana
Moreno also expressed his pride in paying tribute to Spanish tennis legend Manolo Santana, who passed away last year at the age of 83. Santana, a long-time resident of the Costa del Sol, was a former director of Puente Romano Club. Moreno admired Santana and mentioned that despite being a Madrilenian, Santana felt Andalucian.
