Nadal hails Spanish Davis Cup team

Rafael Nadal has paid tribute to the Spanish Davis Cup team for their surprise triumph at the 2008 Davis Cup final.

Nadal, who missed out on the final with tendinitis in his knee, rated the victory as more significant than Spain's two previous Davis Cup title wins, which were both achieved in Spain.

"It's impossible for me to be happier," said Nadal. "The guys have done something impressive, winning away in Argentina. It's tougher than our two Davis Cups at home. I'm so happy for them. They really deserved it. It's a pain for me not to be able to be there, but I'm embracing my team-mates.”

Fernando Verdasco, who clinched the 2008 Davis Cup title with his win over Jose Acasuso on Sunday, was quick to reciprocate, crediting Nadal for his match-winning performance.

"I have to thank Rafael,” Verdasco said. “This is one of the happiest days in my life but if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have had the chance. In the Davis Cup, you have to fight to the death and you always have to keep your hope of winning. This mental strength helped me win the match."

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