Offseason often a working vacation for tennis players

It was nice while it lasted. After hanging up their rackets and meandering at the beach, it's time for the pros to start running the hills and preparing for 2009. They can thank Andre Agassi for that.

...and David Nalbandian watch the end of the Davis Cup 2008 World Group final match between Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso at Islas Malvinas stadium in Mar del Plata, Argentina, on November 23, 2008...

Nalbandian plans to help Argentina in '09 Davis Cup despite setback

David Nalbandian confirmed Monday he will play for Argentina in the Davis Cup next year, setting aside the possibility he would step down following a painful loss to Spain in the final.

Verdasco, Spain top Argentina for Davis Cup championship

Fernando Verdasco defeated Jose Acasuso 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 Sunday, giving Spain its third Davis Cup title by upsetting Argentina in the final.

Argentina's Acasuso to replace injured Del Potro in Davis Cup finals

Argentina number one Juan Martin del Potro was replaced by Jose Acasuso for the first reverse singles in the Davis Cup final on Sunday due to injury.

Spain's tennis player Fernando Verdasco celebrates a point against Argentina's Jose Acasuso during their single match of the Davis Cup...

Lopez, Verdasco give Spain 2-1 lead in Davis Cup

Spain's Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco defeated Argentina's David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-3 on Saturday.

...PLATA, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 22: David Nalbandian (L) and Agustin Calleri of Argentina play Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco of Spain during the third rubber of the Davis Cup final at Estadia Islas Malinas November...

Nalbandian rolls, but Lopez overcomes Del Potro to even Davis Cup finals

Feliciano Lopez defeated Juan Martin del Potro in four sets Friday, allowing Spain to even its Davis Cup final against Argentina at 1-1.

Spain playing a hunch in setting draw for Davis Cup final

Argentina's David Nalbandian will face Spain's David Ferrer on Friday in the opening match of the Davis Cup final.

All signs point to an Argentina romp over Spain

Slick hard courts. A raucous home crowd. No Rafael Nadal. Argentina has an opportunity to collar its maiden Davis Cup title in what will be the five most important points the country has ever played.

Argentines to embark on pivotal tennis moment

With a depleted Spanish team, the Argentines are heavy favorites heading into their Davis Cup clash. But despite the formidable makeup, it's going to take gumption and hard work to complete the journey.

Nadal not the only all-star absent from Davis Cup final

Rafael Nadal will be the most conspicuous absence when the Davis Cup final between Spain and Argentina gets under way Friday, but several other fallen stars also won't play this weekend.

Del Potro practicing with Argentina following Masters Cup

Juan Martin Del Potro began practicing for the Davis Cup final with his Argentine teammates Monday after returning from the Masters Cup.

Spain's Davis Cup captain says Nadal would be distraction at final

Rafael Nadal might want to skip the trip to Argentina to be a cheerleader for Spain at the Davis Cup final.