The Spanish Armarda Dominating Tennis | Thebigtip

This generation of Spanish tennis players have frequently been referred to as the Spanish Armarda, a reference to the Spanish fleet that tried to overthrow England's Queen Elizabeth in 1588. While the actual Armada failed in their quest the 'tennis Armada' has been far more successful.

As it stands today the Spaniards had some impressive statistics: 4 in the top 20, 7 in the top 30, 13 in the top 100.

The Spaniards have dominated Davis Cup in recent years, claiming the title in 2008 and 2009 before failing to France in the 2010 quarterfinals on French hard courts without their world number one, Rafael Nadal. The power of Spain, despite Nadal's occasional absence, is that they have more than enough quality players to make up two teams - all of whom are keen to play for the glory of Spain.

Let's take a little look at the Armarda...

Rafael Nadal - World Number 1

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, is unquestionably the greatest tennis player Spain has ever produced. He recently claimed Roland Garros and Wimbledon consecutively for the second time in his career, taking his Grand Slam tally to eight just weeks after his 24th birthday.

Nadal has 41 ATP level titles and is third in the 'all time' earning on the circuit behind Federer and Sampras. Rafa also has an incredible Davis Cup record with 16 wins to only 5 losses.One of Rafa's more impressive achievements is his head to head record against Roger Federer. Rafa leads 14-7. So dominant is Nadal on clay that he has claimed 10 victories over arguably the best player ever on clay. Federer and Nadal stand tied at 3-3 on hard courts, with Federer leading 2-1 on grass (all Wimbledon finals).

Nadal's career and issues with his knees have been well documented. After a phenomenal 2008 season which saw him claim his first French-Wimbledon double, closely followed by the Olympic Gold medal, Nadal won his first hard court Grand Slam at the 2009 Australian Open before his usual dominance on clay courts. Despite this dominance his private life was falling apart as his parents divorced and he was struggling to overcome bilateral knee tendinitis.

After being unable to find his form for the rest of 2009 and an early injury (again to the knee) in 2010, Nadal came roaring back to form when he hit the clay courts again creating history by winning 6 consecutive Monte Carlo titles, his 5th Rome title, the first 'Clay Slam', and three consecutive Masters Series titles.

Some of Nadal's records include:

• - Winner of French Open 5 times in 6 years
• - Only player to complete Monte Carlo - French Open 'Clay Slam' 2010
• - Most French Open consecutive wins (31) 2005-2009
• - Most Masters Series titles (18)
• - Only Olympic Gold while holding Slam on all three surfaces (French 2008- Australian 2009)
• - Two French-Wimbledon back to back Slams (tied with Bjorn Borg)
• - Two French Open titles without losing a set (tied with Bjorn Borg)
• - Most consecutive clay court wins (81)
• - Only player to win Roland Garros, Queens and Wimbledon consecutively 2008.
• - Only player to win 400 matches in less than 500 total matches (401-91)
• Nadal, the golden child of Spain, also had a belt of asteroids named after him in 2003.
  

Fernando Verdasco - World Number 10

Fernando Verdasco comes from a wealthy background, having access to a full time tennis coach from the age of 8 and two hard courts in his backyard. As a child he was diagnosed with ADHD but was unable to be medicated due to ITF doping rules.

Verdasco is an offensive baseline player who frequently travels with his father.

The pivotal moment in his career was his singles win in the 2008 Davis Cup final that secure the tie for the Spaniards. Verdasco battled to victory in five sets and has credited this win with improving his belief in his own abilities. Fernando then started spending time with the Adidas development program, being guided by Gil Reyes and Andre Agassi.

In fine form Verdasco then played one of the greatest matches ever in the Australian Open semi final against Rafael Nadal. Verdasco then became a regular quarterfinalist at most ATP events despite struggling with a foot injury.

This year Verdasco reached his first Masters level semi and final in Monte Carlo where he was thrashed by an in-form Nadal. He then went on to win the Barcelona title before again making the semi's in Rome where he was beaten by Ferrer. He was also runner up in Nice and lost in the fourth round to Nicolas Almagro.

Verdasco is a well known pretty/party boy and has become the face of Calvin Klein's X Marks the Spot campaign. He also frequently parties, most recently in Ibiza, with best friend, and fellow player Feliciano Lopez.