Rafael Nadal to miss 2012 Davis Cup

SEVILLE—Rafael Nadal, who led Spain to a fifth Davis Cup title on Sunday, said he will sit out the tournament in 2012, blaming the packed tennis calendar for his decision.

RAFAEL NADAL. AFP FILE PHOTO

World number two Nadal said that in an Olympic year, and with his attempt to reclaim the top ranking from Novak Djokovic at the top of his priority list, the Davis Cup was a tournament too far.

“I am not going to play Davis Cup in 2012 because of the overloaded calendar,” said Nadal after beating Juan Martin del Potro 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7/0) to secure a 3-1 win over Argentina in the final.

“With the Olympics, it has become even more a mission impossible,” added the Spaniard, who won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

“For many years I have been the man who has played the most matches. I have to be careful and not overplay. As far as the following years are concerned, we will see. But next year, no.”