• What the Deuce

A spectacle fit for a King

Spain won their third Davis Cup crown in four years in front of a passionate Spanish crowd © Getty Images

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On the day that Tiger Woods ended a two-year title drought, Rafael Nadal returned to the winner's circle as he helped Spain secure Davis Cup glory in Seville.

And just as Woods enjoyed his win on home soil, the Chevron World Challenge in California, it was in the cauldron of Seville's Olympic Stadium that Nadal tasted victory.

In front of Spain's King Juan Carlos, Nadal underlined his status as the King of Clay as he secured team success for his country, to extend his record to 20 straight matches unbeaten in Davis Cup singles rubbers.

In the stadium that hosted the 2003 UEFA Cup final, the fans resembled more of a football crowd than tennis spectators. The 2500 Argentine fans, dressed in their blue and white stripes, were seriously outnumbered but nevertheless fervent in their support of Juan Martin del Potro and co.

Tennis etiquette goes out the window for the Davis Cup, it is tennis' answer to the Ryder Cup. In an inherently individual sport, the Davis Cup presents a rare opportunity for team spirit and patriotism. There is something about the Davis Cup that brings out the best in players.

The trigger to Djokovic's remarkable season can be traced back to last year's Davis Cup final, while Nadal has made no secret of his love for the competition, and there was no better evidence of the magic of the competition in Nadal's performance on Sunday.

Nadal had raised concerns over his form after a lacklustre display at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, and when Del Potro grabbed the opening set in what proved to be the decisive fourth rubber on Sunday, it looked like Nadal might be right.

But Nadal had a secret weapon up his sleeve. Just as videogame heroes Mario and Luigi would use a star or mushroom to acquire special powers, Rafa had his very own power-up in the shape of 20,000 Spanish fans. The passion of the crowd appeared to fuel Nadal when he was at his lowest and, after a thrilling fourth set, Nadal emerged triumphant after more than four hours on court.

"The atmosphere has been unbelievable," Nadal said. "It was a perfect way to finish the season."

Spain have emerged as the dominant force in men's tennis, winning three titles in the last four years, but while Nadal may be their golden boy, he had never before clinched the all-important point for his side.

Rafael Nadal comforts a disconsolate Juan Martin del Potro © PA Photos

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"I've never had the chance to secure the winning point of a Davis Cup. In the end it came down to me," Nadal said.

As Nadal edged towards victory, the atmosphere had worked into a frenzy, and when Nadal sank to the floor in ecstasy, wild celebrations ensued as players, support staff, spectators, and even King Juan Carlos celebrated a Spanish victory.

Self-nominated cheerleader Fernando Verdasco, who had taken it upon himself to fire up the crowd throughout the final, was injured in the festivities - he emerged sporting a large gash on his forehead. But amid the elation, Nadal did not forget poor Del Potro, who left his heart on the court in a true display of gutsy tennis. The world No. 1 was spotted comforting a visibly distressed Del Potro.

In every sense, it was a true showcase of everything that is great about tennis. The final had everything - high-quality tennis, tension, drama, and passion.

The Davis Cup may have come under criticism in recent years and could face the axe in its current format as pressure mounts to ease a congested calendar, but events in Seville will have done the event's cause no harm whatsoever. Nadal, Del Potro and co provided a spectacle fit for a King in Spain.

However, with Nadal planning to sidestep the event in 2012 and many others likely to follow suit, all the hard work could be undone just as swiftly.

With many players eyeing London 2012, perhaps the Davis Cup should consider cutting its losses and cancel the competition in an Olympic year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.