Rafael Nadal admits Spain are emotionally drained after a tough week at the Davis Cup during which they lost team-mate Roberto Bautista Agut following the death of his father.
The Spanish side have reached their first final since 2012 after their 2-1 win over Great Britain, who failed in their task to qualify without talisman Andy Murray.
Nadal has now opened up on how draining the week has been for him and his team-mates, and what it means to them to reach the final against Canada.
“There are a lot of emotions out there,” he said.
“We went through a lot of things this week, honestly, every day.
“I went to my room at 4:24 in the morning today. Two days ago the father of Roberto passed away. Today Pablo and Marcel were not well. A lot of things.
“So we needed to find a way. We knew it was going to be a very tough battle out there, not a lot of chances.
“We can’t be happier than to be where we are today.”
Nadal beat Dan Evans in straight sets to set up a doubles decider after Kyle Edmund’s win over Feliciano Lopez in Madrid.
Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski then didn’t have enough to beat the pairing of Nadal and Lopez, meaning Great Britain will not repeat their heroics of 2015.
Nadal added: “People always respond but you also have to help them, and the only way to help them take part in the matter is that you transmit what they need and more at this time.
“The fans are being incredible, the atmosphere is unbeatable, and we can only say thanks.
“Having this support gives us this extra adrenaline that is needed.”
Nadal then dedicated the win to Bautista Agut, who’s father passed away earlier this week.
Nadal said: “This victory goes to Roberto and his loved ones, who are living very difficult moments.
“He is a very strong person and has had to live hard situations, and even in this situation he has been sending us messages.
“Hopefully he has the strength to return and we can only wish him all the strength.”
