Moya Looking to Make Up for Lost Opportunity
For Carlos Moya, the Davis Cup semifinal between Spain and Argentina
marks a very special occasion in more ways than one. The last time his nation
reached the last four, in 2000, Moya was suffering from a debilitating back
injury, and the Spaniard wasn't able to play. This time he is fit and raring
to go. Add to that the fact that Moya grew up idolising an underachieving
Spanish side as a boy, and it’s not difficult to understand why he is so
desperate to help Spain win the tie that will be played between September 19 a
nd 21, and eventually lift the trophy.
“When I was a little kid I was very excited about watching the
Spanish team,” said Moya.
“They didn’t do very well when I was growing up but I think that
now we have a very strong team that can motivate young kids in
the country to play tennis, as well as help us to win this tie.”
He knows it won’t be easy though.
“Spain and Argentina are probably the best two teams on clay in
the world at the moment so it’s going to be a very tough battle
and an exciting tie,” said Moya, of the upcoming semfinal.
“Davis Cup is a different competition - you play for the flag of
your country. I just hope to play well and that the Spanish team
is going to win, but it’s not going to be easy.”
With Albert Costa, Alex Corretja, and Juan Carlos Ferrero all vying for a
singles spot, it will be tough enough just to get picked to appear in the
Spanish team, but it’s a battle that Moya is happy to even have a chance
to fight. A stress fracture to his lower back hampered the Spaniard during
the year Spain won the 2000 Davis Cup, and prevented him being part of the
team that beat the United States in the semifinals and then Australia in the
final. It was the only time Spain had ever won the Davis Cup, but Moya
wasn’t bitter about missing out, he prefers to look to the future. With
his entry ranking back at number 6, he looks a good bet to fill a singles
berth this time round, although he isn’t taking anything for granted.
“We are competitive within our team to do our best and improve our
ranking,” said Moya.
“To make the election for this team was not easy because we are so
many and we are playing well, so we’ll see what happens, but I
think whoever plays will have a chance to win.”
So far Spain have yet to be troubled on the way to the semis. They
defeated Belgium and Croatia without losing a rubber, but things have gone
just as swimmingly for Argentina, who had wins over Germany and Russia by i
dentical 5-0 scorelines.
Both teams are in great form in the run-up to the tie as well. Moya and
Ferrero enjoyed great runs at the US Open, while even though the Argentines
will be without Coria and Nalbandian, the likes of Zabaleta, Gaudio and
Calleri have enjoyed fine seasons so far. The Davis Cup semifinal, Moya
said, was a topic of conversation they tried to avoid.
“The Argentinian guys are my best friends on the tour besides the
Spanish but we don’t talk that much about the Davis Cup, we just
have fun together!” said Moya.
“The week itself is going to be different, they are going to be our
opponents and our rivals but after that they are going to be our
friends again.”
But not before Moya strains every sinew of his 6’3” (1.91m) frame to try
to be part of a victorious Spanish side.
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