Davis Cup atmosphere shows tennis at its best

Seville's Olympic Stadium hosted an enthralling and captivating encounter between two of tennis' super-powers, and it would be an understatement to say that the crowd were very much involved.

A vociferous atmosphere was created throughout, and the throngs of ardent supporters from both countries were treated to three incredible matches (and one drab doubles match which Messrs Lopez and Verdasco failed to turn up for).

The usual platitudes about playing with pride and patriotism are inevitably rolled out for every Davis Cup match, but this was true blood and guts tennis in which neither team was prepared to give an inch.

The two matches which particularly shone were the epic clashes between David Ferrer and Juan Martin Del Potro, and the Argentine again up against Rafael Nadal in what proved to be the final rubber.

First, the indomitable Ferrer pulled off a remarkable comeback victory in four hours and 45 minutes to overcome the irrepressible Del Potro to put Spain two up.

Nadal then clinched the Davis Cup for the hosts against Del Potro in what has to go down as one of the most extraordinary matches of the year.

Del Potro was left in tears at the end almost inconsolable after having unfurled a staggering array of powerful groundstrokes and forcing his opponent to perform to the very peak of his powers.

The world number 11 hit 18 winners in the first set - 14 off his forehand wing - while Nadal managed three. It was as dominant a showing as has ever been seen against Nadal on clay.

Nadal may have received rapturous support throughout and the atmosphere was one of utter frenzy when the world number two closed out the match, but he still had the class to get straight back off the ground to hug his distraught opponent.

This was tennis at its very best - on and off the court.

The crowd went ballistic throughout the fourth rubber and, indeed, through the entire encounter. It was an atmosphere which is only seen at the Davis Cup.

Of course, there will be some who argue that tennis should only be played in hushed appreciation of the play - All England Club members may sympathise.

Equally, there will be many who enjoy the whooping and hollering found in a Flushing Meadows night session.

But the unique atmosphere at the Davis Cup is one in which genuine and fervent support for the players exists in its purest form.

The Argentine fans contributed an immense amount to the whole event, cheering on their players - Del Potro, in particular - in a manner which was truly invigorating.

On several occasions it did go slightly too far and even Del Potro was forced to calm down his own supporters between points after the umpire had been ignored.

But this was an event which simply demanded being watched and it was impossible not to get swept up in the spirit and frenzy of the crowd, the players and the team-mates of those on court.

The concept of a team within the sport of tennis is often much-maligned but, as evidenced in Seville, there were two sets of players desperate for collective and shared success.

Spain prevailed in style, but the real winner of the weekend was undoubtedly the Davis Cup and the game of tennis by extension.

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USER TWEET OF THE WEEK: "Sport is gloriously emotional, if you're not touched by seeing Juan Martin Del Potro in tears, you can't be human. #daviscup" (shockerhess)

PLAYER TWEET OF THE WEEK: "What an amazing match. Well done to Spain! But got to feel sorry for the Argentinian team, Del Potro gave it everything...the atmosphere in Spain looks unreal!"

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "It was a perfect way to finish the season. I'm very happy for everything. The atmosphere has been unbelievable!" (A breathless and wide-eyed Nadal basks in the glory of Spain's victory.)

PRANK OF THE WEEK: Rafael Nadal pulls a hilarious prank on Davis Cup team-mate David Ferrer by putting shaving foam on his Spanish compatriot's face while he's asleep...