Davis Cup: Spain without Rafael Nadal but still too strong for India

A full-strength Spanish side came to New Delhi to participate in the Davis Cup play-off tie, featuring David Ferrer (left), Rafael Nadal (centre) and non-playing captain Conchita Martinez (right). AP

Just hours before his scheduled match against India's Ramkumar Ramanathan, Spain's Rafael Nadal pulled out with a mystery stomach bug. AP

Spain's David Ferrer, ranked 13 in the world, led the Spanish in Nadal's absence, and took on India's Saketh Myneni. AP

Saketh Myneni, the highest ranked Indian singes player in tennis, has had a breakout year, qualifying for the US Open main draw. AP

Ferrer was in rampant form, needing less than an hour and a half to beat Myneni 6-1, 6-2, 6-1. AP

The sapping heat and humidity of New Delhi took its toll, not only on the visiting Spaniards but also on the Indian athletes.

Ramkumar Ramanathan, ranked 203 in the world, did well and even took a set off Feliciano Lopez. AP

Ultimately, however, the gap in class between the two players was too much for the young Indian and he went down in four sets 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. AP

The tennis action will continue on Saturday with the men's doubles match. AP