Portugal call-up to host Poland repeats in Davis Cup
The phase of the selection of the ‘quinas’, Rui Machado, repeats the phase, of September, Portugal lost with Romania (3-1), last call-up of the World Group I and found the direct qualification when the qualification of the Cup finals Davis.
“These are the players that are currently clearly presented as the best solution to represent Portugal, with João Sousa (137th in the ATP ‘ranking’) making a start to the season much closer to the level he has accustomed us to in recent years (…)”, defended the coach.
Speaking to the FPT press office, Rui Machado also highlighted Nuno Borges (190th), as a player “on the rise, after finishing the year very well”, in addition to Gastão Elias (207th), who is return to “exhibitions and results, as after victory in Australia (locked to main frame, two rounds)”.
“We also have Frederico Silva (224th ATP), who we already expect the same as being able to compete with regulars always presents a very good level”, defended the ‘captain’ of the national team, considering that he has a “solid team”, capable of to represent Portugal “with great”.
The qualifier with the Poles, on March 4th and 5th, at the Municipal Tennis Complex of Maia, marks the ‘return’ to the team’s home, which, facing the ‘indoor’ competition since 2018, in the triumph of South Africa, and it will be Rui Machado’s first ‘home’.
Everyone knows that playing the Davis Cup is always special, and it’s another opportunity for players to compete at home and with their fans. , it’s always a special moment, even more so to represent your country in the Davis Cup.
Regarding Poland, even without knowing the squad of Mariusz Fyrstenberg, Rui Machado hopes to find a “strong team”, with “experienced players”, guessing in the ‘dirt’ of Maia a “very difficult qualifier”.