Virus Slowed Down Both Nalbandian and Murray

Saturday, March 7, 2009 -- Because of a virus David Nalbandian won’t be able to compete in an important match against Netherlands. Though he has been training rigidly early this week, the virus which hit him undoubtedly caused him to become physically weak. His coach claimed that he is not yet in a perfect condition to play and compete in the first round of the Davis Cup to be held at the Parque Roca Claycourt in Netherlands on Friday to Sunday.

The world No. 14 player from Argentina was supposed to lead a team involving doubles player Lucas Arnold Ker, single players Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela. However, an alternate will be chosen among world number 50 Martin Vassallo Arguello; world number 45 Jose Acasuso; and world number seven Juan Martin del Potro.

Argentina was defeated by Spain in the 2007 Davis Cup which was their third so far after they lost a final game against Russia in 2006 and United States in 1981.

On the other hand, world number 4 Andy Murray faces a similar fate. He will be unable to compete at the Davis Cup in Britain this week due to a virus he suffered since last week’s quarterfinals at the Dubai Tennis Championship. His physical condition forced him to withdraw from his British team that will play against Ukraine in the second round match of Europe and Africa zone. The game starts Friday in Scotland at the Braehead Arena beside Glasgow.