Downcast Nalbandian terms Davis Cup flop 'terrible'

Meanwhile, Argentine Tennis Association vice president Arturo Grimaldi said Monday that Mancini's replacement will be announced within the next month after the team captain announced Sunday he would be stepping down.

Nalbandian's trainer Martin Jaite is being tipped as a contender for the post.

"He's one of the best and without a doubt he's got a chance," Grimaldi told Buenos Aires-based La Red radio station.

Nalbandian refused to comment on the possibility Monday, saying it wasn't his decision.

Victorious Spain captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario showed his support for a possible Jaite captaincy.

"Argentina has a spectacular level of players for next year. Martin Jaite's name is being mentioned. ... He's a very capable person and I think that he can put together a team and bring the triumph that Argentina is missing," Sanchez Vicario told America radio Monday before returning to Spain with the country's third Davis Cup title.