Nadal passionate about Davis Cup but wants revamp

LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) Rafael Nadal has said he was passionate about playing in the Davis Cup but renewed calls for organisers to look at the scheduling of the event.

The world number two and French Open champion missed both of Spain's ties earlier this year due to illness and injury.

He cheered his team mates from the sidelines for the first round tie with Switzerland in Geneva before a foot problem ruled him out of the quarter-finals against the US in April.

''It's a very, very special competition for me,'' Nadal said after being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the grasscourt tournament at Queen's Club yesterday.

''I experience feelings playing Davis Cup that you do not experience elsewhere, that money cannot buy.

''Every time that I did not have any physical injury, I always played for my country and with a lot of passion.'' However, Nadal said the scheduling of the Davis Cup should be looked at again to ensure all the top players are involved.

Players have complained for years about the way the team competition, which is spread over four different weeks during the year, disrupts their singles commitments.

World number one Roger Federer is often absent from the Switzerland team for their first round ties, which are staged within days of the Australian Open ending.

''We need to look at the way it is played because it's a very important event, and we need to make sure that the top players are playing in the Davis Cup,'' said Nadal.

''I don't know the solution, but we need find (one).'' Reuters DKS VP0527