The Head of the International Tennis Federation has hit back at Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard criticised the ATP Tour's busy schedule.

Nadal was critical of the fact that he had to play in the Davis Cup for Spain only four days after losing the US Open final to Novak Djokovic.

However, ITF president Francesco Ricco defended the timing of the Davis Cup matches and pointed out that Nadal rarely represents the Spanish team.

"Nadal has all the right to feel tired after playing 70 matches this year, but that's not the fault of the Davis Cup, which he has played only three times in the past two years," said Ricci.

"Nadal says we don't listen to the players but the date of the Davis Cup was changed against the wishes of the ITF and its president.

"We still feel the dates, especially those in September, are not right."

Nadal won the first rubber to help Spain to a 2-0 lead over France in their Davis Cup semi-final.