Rafael Nadal puts Spain in control in Davis Cup Playoffs

A ruthless Rafa Nadal made a seamless transition from hard court to clay when he crushed Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-0 6-0 6-4 to give Spain a commanding 2-0 lead in their Davis Cup World Group playoff in Madrid on Friday. Turning out for his country only four days after his U.S. Open triumph in New York, the world number two showed no sign of fatigue or sympathy for his 92nd-ranked opponent as he dismantled the hapless Stakhovsky in devastating fashion. Continue reading for a couple of photos featuring Rafa in his Spain colored outfit.