Spain's prime minister honored the Davis Cup-winning team in a ceremony Monday at his official residence.
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero praised the players for successfully defending the title after completing a 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the final on Sunday.
Zapatero says the country's overall sporting success has coincided with a period of dominance in tennis, adding the team sets a great example and that no one should underestimate the magnitude and difficulty of its achievements.
``We have a generation of athletes that is without doubt the best in the history of Spain,'' Zapatero said. ``You know how to win with humility and elegance, you know how to play and fight during the tough moments and you have shown us how it's done.''
Second-ranked Rafael Nadal, a four-time French Open champion, was singled out by Zapatero for special praise.
``You are a magnificent symbol and ambassador. Someone who shows us how things should be done, how to be a great sportsman and person,'' Zapatero said, before adding that next year he ``want to see you here again.''
Spain has won four Davis Cup finals, 20 consecutive best-of-five series on clay and 18 straight series at home going back to 1999.
