The Davis Cup World Group quarter-finals, which start tomorrow, will miss numerous big names, including the American Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, and the Spanish world No 2 Rafael Nadal. Both players are absent due to injuries: Nadal, who has not played since the French Open due to his ever-present knee problem and Roddick due to a recently acquired hip injury, which has forced his departure from the American squad.
David Ferrer, who's affliction is a muscle strain, will also be absent from the Spanish team for their match with Germany. Ferrer has been replaced by Juan Carlos Ferrero, who will be full of confidence after his surprise run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals last week. The rest of the Spanish team is made up of Fernando Verdasco, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez. "We don't fear the Germans but we respect them a great deal," said Spain captain, Carlos Costa.
Mardy Fish will be replacing Roddick in America's clash with Croatia, who they lost to previously in 2003 and 2005 match-ups "Andy had a great run at Wimbledon," the American captain Patrick McEnroe said. "Understandably, his body is not up for the rigours of Davis Cup in such a short turnaround." Argentina and Czech Republic face each other in Ostrava, with the South Americans having to do without the injured David Nalbandian, meaning world No 5 Juan Martin Del Potro will lead their challenge.
It is not yet clear whether Radek Stepanek, who has a knee problem, will be fully fit for the hosts. The fourth tie sees Russia take on Israel. "It's going to be tough. It's a tough draw, nothing is easy at this stage," said Russia's Marat Safin. sports@thenational.ae
