体坛英语新闻：Davis Cup: Maradona supports Argentinean players

BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's former soccer star Diego Maradona Friday went to Parque Roca, in southern Buenos Aires, to support Argentinean tennis player Juan Monaco, who played the Davis Cup's second match against Czech Tomas Berdych.

Maradona, also former Argentina's soccer team coach, cheered every point won by Monaco, number 11 in the world ranking, who played in the clay court of Parque Roca's "Mary Teran de Weiss" stadium.

Maradona, who wore a dark t-shirt and sun glasses, was euphoric and good-humored. During a pause in Monaco's match, Maradona said hello to former Boca Juniors' star Martin Palermo, another personality who attended the stadium.

Maradona, 51, is a tennis fan and has also been present in past Davis Cup series, such as the semifinal match against Russia in 2008 in Buenos Aries, as well as the final match against the same rival in 2006 in Moscow.

After two hours and 36 minutes, Monaco defeated Berdych, number 6 in the world ranking, with a score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 and 2-1.

Earlier, Argentinean Juan Martin Del Potro, number 8 in the world ranking, defeated Radek Stepanek, number 40 in the world ranking, with a score of 6-4, 6-4 and 6-1, giving Argentina its first point in Davis Cup.