Downcast Nalbandian terms Davis Cup flop 'terrible'

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- David Nalbandian confirmed Monday he will continue to play for Argentina in the Davis Cup next year, denying rumors he would step down following a painful loss against Spain in the final this weekend.

"It bothers me that people have questioned whether I'm continuing with the Davis Cup or not. For me, representing my country is really an honor," Nalbandian said Monday during a televised news conference in Mar Del Plata, the site of Spain's 3-1 victory over Argentina. "I'm going to continue -- like I've done until this point -- defending Argentina's flag the best way possible."

A sullen-looking Nalbandian said the home victory that was wrestled from Argentina -- the favorite leading into the series -- was devastating for him.

"Understand the pain of a player not being able to score a point in an important series," Nalbandian pleaded with reporters. "Understand the anguish and unease right now.

"Things went badly, but the terrible weekend is over."

Nalbandian gave Argentina its only point in the best-of-5 series, beating David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the first singles match Friday. Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri lost the doubles Saturday to Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco, which left Argentina with the nearly impossible task of winning both rubbers Sunday to win the title. Top player Juan Martin Del Potro was out due to an injury suffered during Friday's second rubber.

Nalbandian, upset by the doubles loss, skipped the mandatory news conference after the match and was fined $5,000. Argentina Coach Alberto Mancini said Nalbandian left the Islas Malvinas Stadium because he was not feeling well emotionally.

While Nalbandian refused Monday to confirm if he had paid the fine or not, he apologized to reporters for missing the Saturday news conference but accused them of spreading rumors that he argued with Calleri following the doubles loss.

"It really hurts the players when people say things that aren't true," Nalbandian said, sitting alone in front of a room full of reporters.

Journalists should focus on analyzing the technical aspects of the game and stay away from the personal elements he said, allowing the players to focus on "winning the game."

Despite his disappointment, Nalbandian questioned those who are pessimistic about Argentina's future chances in the Davis Cup.

"We made it to two finals in three years. Why aren't we going to continue having the possibility of reaching our goal (of winning the Davis Cup)?" he said.

Argentina made the finals in 1981 and 2006, losing to the United States and Russia.