Nalbandian to face Ferrer

Hosts bidding to lift trophy for first time

Last updated: 21st November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Nalbandian to face Ferrer

Nalbandian: opening singles

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Argentina's David Nalbandian will get the Davis Cup final under way with an opening singles clash against Spain's David Ferrer on Friday.

World number 12 Ferrer leads their head-to-head record 6-3 but former Wimbledon finalist Nalbandian won their only meeting indoors last year.

They will be followed onto the indoor hardcourt in Mar del Plata by Argentina's number one Juan Martin Del Potro and Feliciano Lopez.

Del Potro has enjoyed a superb run during the second half of the season, but Spain will hope Lopez's ability on faster surfaces can pay off.

However, Del Potro has won both their previous indoor meetings and leads 2-1 overall.

Argentina had chosen a slick indoor surface in a bid to negate Spain's claycourt expertise and in particular world number one Rafael Nadal.

However, Nadal pulled out of the final last week due to tendonitis in his knee.

Jose Acasuso and Agustin Calleri have been named by the hosts for Saturday's doubles rubber, while Lopez is due to team up with Fernando Verdasco.

That means no place yet for Marcel Granollers, Nadal's replacement.

The reverse singles take place on Sunday.

Argentina are bidding to win the trophy for the first time in their history, having previously finished runners-up in both 1981 and 2006.

Draw for the Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain in Mar del Plata:
Friday's singles (play starts 3pm)
David Nalbandian v David Ferrer
Juan Martin del Potro v Feliciano Lopez

Saturday's doubles (4pm)
Jose Acasuso/Agustin Calleri v Fernando Verdasco/Lopez

Sunday's reverse singles (2pm)
Del Potro v Ferrer
Nalbandian v Lopez