Spain Three Steps Away From Tennis Glory

Spain Three Steps Away From Tennis Glory

Madrid, 27 January 2009 - The Madrid 2016 bid team today spoke out in support of two of Spain’s leading sportsmen as they prepare for the quarter finals of the Australian Open.  Rafael Nadal will play Gilles Simon on Wednesday afternoon with fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco playing against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“2008 has been a tremendous year in sport for both Nadal and Spain and we are confident that this success will continue in 2009,” said Madrid 2016 chief Mercedes Coghen. "Fernando Verdasco has also emerged as another great tennis talent."

“The Australian Open is the first test for Spain this year, but we have the passion, determination and support to realise our sporting dreams.  Nadal and Ferdasco are both three steps away from winning the title, it is close but there is still a lot of work to be done before either is victorious.  We understand this position as Madrid also has three rivals to beat in our bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” added Coghen.

“Nadal plays a very solid game which we believe will be rewarded, and Madrid’s bid for 2016 is also very solid with 77% of the sports' infrastructure already complete or under construction, full support from the Government and the experience of hosting major international events.  We are confident that Madrid is the safest choice for 2016.”

Nadal has been on tremendous form throughout 2008, winning major titles including Wimbledon, the French Open and ATP Master Series Tournaments in Monte Carlo, Toronto and Hamburg and bringing home gold from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Spain also enjoyed sporting success in football, cycling and Formula One as well as tennis.

The winner of the Australian Open men’s singles will be decided within the next five days with both Nadal and Verdasco in the quarter finals, while the waiting time is a bit longer for the Madrid 2016 team with the final decision being made on 2nd October in Copenhagen. 

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