Ahead of Spain's final round-robin match on Wednesday against Japan in Perth, team captain Francisco Roig shared his thoughts about Rafael Nadal and Roberto Bautista Agut's form, as well as their chances to take the title on Saturday.
Having reached the Final Eight, we can confirm that Spain is one of the favourites to win the ATP Cup. It would be slightly absurd not to recognise it, but we should still be prudent.
Just as we know that we are one of the favourites, we are also aware that one bad match will send us home. In Sydney, when the Final Eight gets underway, there will be three knockout ties in three days and it will greatly depend on how the matches go, fitness and many other factors.
Rafael Nadal and Roberto Bautista Agut are largely responsible for this. So far, I would rate them both as outstanding. I’ve seen the matches they have both played in, but also their training sessions and all the work that is going on behind the scenes. I take my hat off to them.
I honestly believe that Bautista Agut has improved leaps and bounds. He has changed significantly and is ready to produce some very good results this year. He still has the solid tennis that he is known for. He gives very little to his opponents and also applies pressure when he has to. He is truly an asset.
For his part, Rafa is brimming with energy and raring to go. He is in the same form as last year, perhaps because he has not rested much. But at this level, you can’t have a pre-season. That was before, when you had two months to prepare. Nowadays, these players have to rest. It’s a question of scheduling the periods of the year when you have to be in top form, even more so for Rafa. He has to organise himself very well and know when to rest and enjoy himself. He needs time for his fans. If he’s happy and playing spectacular tennis, it’s difficult for things not to go right.
He hasn’t played doubles so far, but he undoubtedly will very soon. We’ve been thinking that it would be better if he could save some energy, but the idea is for him to play doubles because we will certainly need him to in Sydney.
[FINAL EIGHT]
from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/302oOvL
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