Spanish tennis maestro Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the opening rubber of the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against India's Ramkumar Ramanathan owing to a stomach upset.
Reigning French Open doubles winner Feliciano Lopez will instead play the first men's singles clash against rookie Ramanathan, which will take place at Delhi's RK Khanna Stadium on Friday.
"This time I have to open the tie. We go everywhere! This time I open the round. Let's go!," said Feliciano on Twitter while confirming the news.
Feliciano, along with Marc Lopez, is also scheduled to play men's doubles event against the Indian duo of Leander Paes and Saketh Myneni.
Meanwhile, 14-time Grand Slam champion Nadal has also been drawn against Myneni in the first reverse singles contest.
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