VALENCIA, April 2, 2018

Preparations for the upcoming Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal held inside the Plaza de Toros in Valencia have started on Monday. Spain will host Germany from 6 to 8 April in the 17th meeting between the two nations – but first since 2014.

The Spanish team, led by captain Sergi Bruguera, was joined by young gun Carlos López Montagud as sparring partner. The 17-year-old from Valencia has just won the Trofeo Juan Carlos Ferrero, an ITF Junior’s Grade 1 tournament in Villena.

First up on court was Roberto Bautista Agut followed by Pablo Carreño Busta. Later in the afternoon, new World No. 1 Rafael Nadal was out on the red clay.

Erste Einheit jetzt auch für @RafaelNadal … #DavisCup #ESPGER pic.twitter.com/1B7WqeFi9R

— DeutscherTennisBund (@DTB_Tennis) 2. April 2018

Jan-Lennard Struff and Tim Pütz started the practice session for the German team. 22-year-old Maximilian Marterer, the only left-hander in the German squad, is a Davis Cup debutant and was impressed by the dimension of the venue.

“Being out on court today was a nice feeling. It was also a bit weird, as there is a big distance between the sidelines and the spectators but I am looking forward to a great atmosphere,” the World No. 73 told after his first practice session.

“Being part of the team is a great honour for me. There is a good and relaxed atmosphere in the team. Now it’s important to be well prepared for the weekend and then we will see.”

Germany won their last contest with Spain in the World Group first round in Frankfurt four years ago, and will hope for a repeat performance as they target a place in the semi-finals for the first time in 11 years.

The Iberians have not progressed to the stage of the final four nations since 2012 – when they went on to finish runner-up to Czech Republic.