US host Spain in Davis Cup quarters

AUSTIN, Texas (AFP) - Four-time Davis Cup winners Spain will be hoping to take the US out of their comfort zone when the two powerhouse nations meet in the
world group quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.
Spain say they are confident heading into their opening match Friday despite competing on American soil and playing without reigning French Open champ and Wimbledon runner-up Rafael Nadal who says he is tired and needs to rest.

"I have complete trust in these four men in my team and I know they will give 100 per cent on the court and for sure we will try to give our maximum level and we will see what happens," Spanish coach Albert Costa said.
Costa said his squad has spent the last week getting climatized and practising on the hard fast American-style courts the US hopes to use to their advantage.
"The court is a bit fast, the ball is a little light and the conditions are quick, but this is normal because they can choose what they want and they feel good with these conditions," Costa said.
"We are trying to practise every day and we are trying to get used to it and the guys are doing a very good job. We will be ready for Friday."
The Spanish squad comprises world No.6 David Ferrer, veteran Fernando Verdasco, Marcel Granollers and Feliciano Lopez, who knocked Andy Roddick out of Wimbledon, beating the American star 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in the third round two weeks ago.
Costa said Spain are looking forward to the challenge of trying to beat the US in Roddick's home town at the Frank Erwin Center stadium. The draw is Thursday.
Roddick has been playing host this week, holding a barbecue at his home for coach Jim Courier and his teammates on Sunday. He is backed up by Wimbledon quarter-finalist Mardy Fish and world No. 1 doubles pair Bob and Mike Bryan.
The two sides are meeting for the tenth time, with the Americans holding a 5-4 lead, and it will be the first time they have played each other since the semi-finals in Madrid three years ago, which Spain won 4-1.
"Austin kind of fit the bill for this tie, to see the fans come out, tickets sell out in an hour, it almost validated the effort," Roddick said.
"I was real happy to see the support Austin and central Texas has been giving this event as far as selling out, as far as the excitement. It?s just nice to see excitement for tennis in this area of the world."

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