MADRID(AP) Juan Carlos Ferrero will replace Rafael Nadal for Spain's Davis Cup semifinal against Israel.
An abdominal injury that has bothered Nadal during his current run at the U.S. Open has led the third-ranked Spaniard to withdraw from the best-of-five series to be played at Murcia from Sept. 18-20.
Rafa is sad to have to take this decision, he was really motivated about this tie,'' captain Albert Costa said on the Spanish tennis federation's Web site.But I understand his decision and hope he recovers as quickly as possible.''
Nadal has missed the past two Davis Cup series for the defending champion since winning both of his singles matches in a 4-1 first round win over Serbia.
Ferrero clinched Spain's semifinal place with a victory in the deciding quarterfinal match against Germany in July.
``Even in complicated moments, like last Tuesday when I named the team and he wasn't among the four selected, Ferrero has always been an important player for us,'' Costa added.
David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez complete Spain's team.
Ferrero was a member of Spain's winning Davis Cup teams in 2000 and 2004.