New York - The abdominal strain which is bothering Rafael Nadal as he waits out the weather at the US Open has resulted in the Spaniard withdrawing form next week's Davis Cup semi-final against Israel. Spanish officials said the world number three will be replaced by Juan Carlos Ferrero for the September 18-20 tie on clay in Murcia.
Nadal has been carrying his abdominal problem for the past month since returning to tennis following time off ordered by doctors to rest fragile knees.
Once rain began clogging the US Open schedule this week, it appeared more and more certain that the Davis Cup weekend would become unattainable for Nadal.
Spain's squad will now be comprised of Ferrero, David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez. The nation is also missing Fernando Verdasco, treating foot and abdominal injuries.
The Spain-Israel winner will play the December final against either Croatia or the Czech Republic.
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NOTEBOOK: Del Potro knows what he likes about New York =
New York - Juan Del Potro is passing his time during the rainy final days of the US Open by dreaming of what could be the biggest victory of his career.
The 20-year-old Argentine, 15-1 since Wimbledon, wants more than ever to lift his first Grand Slam title in New York. Like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Del Potro beat the rain by winning into the semi-finals on Wednesday.
"My dream is to win this tournament," admitted the Argentine. "And I'm close to doing it."
That might be a slight exaggeration, with Del Potro due to face the winner from Rafael Nadal and Fernando Gonzalez.
The South American is a big fan of the entire Open. His likes: "Everything. The stadium, the crowds, the people, the city. Everything. It's so lovely.
"I like to play here in the US. I like hardcourts. I like this tournament."
He also gets close to home support, with Argentine fans populating the stands during his matches.
