Barcelona, Dec 3 : Fernando Verdasco is working hard on staying humble as defending champion Spain enter the Davis Cup final later Friday against the Czech Republic as heavy favourites.

The world number nine is expected to pack the one-two punch in singles for the hosts with Rafael Nadal when the draw is made later Thursday.

David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez make up the rest of the squad for a nation seeking a fourth Davis Cup title this decade.

Both Verdasco and Nadal have at least a few small points to quickly prove after each left last week's season-ending World Tour Finals with 0-3 records in group play.

Melbourne, January 29 : Tennis star Fernando Verdasco, who has just broken his four-month courtship with Ana Ivanovic, was recently seen enjoying himself at St Kilda''s Hotel Barkly.

The Spaniard and his friends headed to the hotel on Sunday, and spent a couple of hours relaxing.

He was seen sipping on water, reports the Herald Sun.

The tennis star was also seen happily posing for pictures with surprised fans, including a number of nice-looking girls. (ANI)

Melbourne, Jan. 28 : Spain''s Fernando Verdasco has entered his first grand slam semi-final. In an upset result at this year''s Australian Open, 14th seed Verdasco beat fifth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 6-2.

Having led his country in the absence of Rafael Nadal to victory over Argentina in Davis Cup last year, Verdasco now has the chance to register another upset in the semis where he could face the world No. 1.

Tsonga, last year''s beaten Australian Open finalist, had his chances, only to squander them with a lack of discipline on big games.