Spain star Rafael Nadal expects the unusual setting for the upcoming Davis Cup semi-final against the United States to be an ‘unforgettable’ experience for him.
The contest will take place at Madrid's awe-inspiring Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, an arena normally reserved for bullfighting but which also doubles as a venue for other events such as music concerts.
For someone whose career to date has largely been limited to traditional tennis venues such as Wimbledon and Roland Garros, Nadal admits he is relishing the chance to play in the 24,000-capacity bullring.
‘It is going to be an unforgettable experience to play in an arena like Las Ventas,’ said Nadal.
‘It is special to play at home and more so in a place like this.’
Nadal will be the big draw for this weekend's clash following a remarkable season which has seen the 22-year-old Mallorcan win eight tournaments - including the French Open, Wimbledon and Olympic gold - whilst also replacing Roger Federer as world number one.
Nadal also boasts a hugely impressive Davis Cup singles record, having won eight of his nine matches and six out of six on clay, and this weekend he will be hoping to guide Spain into their sixth final when they take on defending champions the US.
‘It's true that I've had an intense season, but to play at home against the United States in a Davis Cup semi-final is an extra motivation for me,’ said Nadal, whose hopes of adding the US Open title to his list of achievements was ended by a lacklustre semi-final defeat to Andy Murray earlier this month.
‘I cannot judge how I am yet. There are three and a half days remaining, but you need to be at your best because it is going to be a difficult match,’ Nadal added.
