CHARLEROI, Belgium (AP) — Fernando Verdasco defeated Xavier Malisse 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 to give Spain a 1-0 lead in its Davis Cup match against Belgium.
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal is expected to play Ruben Bemelmans in the second match Friday on the hard courts in Charleroi, Belgium. It will be Nadal’s first match since injuring his thigh at the Australian Open.
The ninth-ranked Verdasco was a late replacement for David Ferrer, who pulled out of the opening match with an inflamed nerve in his shoulder. Verdasco was too much for the No. 51-ranked Malisse, Belgium’s top player.
Doubles are set for Saturday and reverse singles for Sunday. Spain beat Belgium 5-0 in 2003.
