Rafael Nadal will kick off Spain's defence of the Davis Cup back on his favoured clay against Tomas Berdych on Friday.
Spain and Czech Republic primed for Davis Cup battle
Rafael Nadal will kick off Spain's defence of the Davis Cup against Tomas Berdych on Friday, and every point can be seen live on
Sky Sports.
The Czech Republic arrive on the clay at the Palau Sant Jordi for their first Davis Cup final since 1980 against a star-studded Spanish line-up.
World number two Nadal has endured a torrid end to the 2009 season, however he will be looking to put that right when he takes on 20th-ranked Berdych on Friday afternoon.
The Spanish southpaw is unbeaten on the clay in his previous 10 Davis Cup encounters, but failed to win a single match in the recent ATP World Tour Finals.
Despite his concerning form, Nadal believes he is back to somewhere near his best as Spain attempt to become the first team since Sweden in 1998 to defend the trophy.
Hostile
"It wasn't a big surprise," Nadal said of his defeats in London. "When you are not 100 percent at a tournament like that you are going to lose.
"Here I am 100 percent. I will be playing a little bit better I hope. You can't always play perfect ... but I think I'm ready for tomorrow."
The 23-year-old from Manacor has won his last four encounters with big-hitting Berdych, however the 24-year-old Czech can expect a hostile reception after upsetting Spanish fans during an encounter between the two players in 2006.
Berdych was seen putting his finger to his lips in a hushing motion aimed at the crowd after he beat Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Masters.
Nadal later labelled Berdych a "bad person" for his gesture, but the Czech number two insists that confrontation is all water under the bridge.
"There's no problem between Rafael and I - I don't think this will play a part in this game," said Berdych.
"He's going to play at home and he's going to play on his favourite surface. I think he's going to be at his best."
Tough match
Nadal said: "I have an excellent relationship with Berdych. He made a mistake, I made a mistake and that's it."
In the second singles match of the best-of-five series, David Ferrer has been picked over Fernando Verdasco to face Czech number one Radek Stepanek despite being sidelined for more than a month with a hamstring injury.
Speaking on his tactical decision, Spain captain Albert Costa said: "I think it's a strategic thing and Fernando has to play another day.
"I think he (Ferrer) is the right player to play tomorrow."
Ferrer and Stepanek have split all six of their previous match-ups, including the two on clay, in a closely contested rivalry.
"It doesn't matter who it is - it's going to be a tough match either way," the 12th-ranked Stepanek said. "I was ready for either of them."
World number eight Verdasco, who made a winless debut in London last week, has recovered from a foot injury and will team up with Feliciano Lopez for Saturday's doubles against Lukas Dlouhy and Jan Halek.
Tune into Sky Sports Xtra from 3pm on Friday for all the action from the Palau Sant Jordi.
