Monday, 12 May, 2008

The Spanish Tennis Federation have defied the wishes of their players and chosen Madrid as the venue for their Davis Cup semi-final against the United States.

A group of eight players, including world number two Rafael Nadal, earlier this week signed an open letter denouncing the choice of Madrid, believing that playing at the capital venue would undermine home advantage.

Madrid is situated at an altitude of 2,100 feet and the players believe holding the tie at a sea-level venue, where the ball should travel through the air slower, would favour the Spaniards but federation president Pedro Munoz confirmed on Friday Madrid had been chosen, adding the decision had been reached via a secret ballot.

Munoz is left in a difficult situation, with the eight players having stated in their letter they would refuse to take part in promotional activities for the the federation while he is in charge.

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