MADRID, Jan 29: Rafael Nadal’s decision to opt out of Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Peru is understandable given the physical problems the world number two has experienced in recent seasons, captain Emilio Sanchez-Vicario said.

“The difficult thing for him about this tie is that he has been training on hard surfaces for the last four months and playing on clay for two weeks and then going back to hard courts would require a great effort,” Sanchez-Vicario told sports daily AS on Tuesday.

Spain will also be without Juan Carlos Ferrero after the former world number one decided to concentrate on the hardcourt season.

“He decided not to come because playing on clay didn’t fit in with his plans,” added Sanchez-Vicario.

“I always try to select the best team. I tried to convince the best players to come but it is a difficult year because of the Davis Cup and the Olympics and it isn’t the best time for any player.

World number five David Ferrer will spearhead the Spanish challenge in Nadal’s absence for the World Group first round tie which will be played on clay at the Jockey Club in Lima between Feb 8 and 10.

Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco and Nicolas Almagro complete the Spanish line-up.—Reuters