Melbourne, Nov 28: Spain's number one Juan Carlos Ferrero will play Lleyton Hewitt in the opening game of the Davis Cup final.
Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt of Australia will play the opening singles rubber of the Davis Cup final against Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero in Melbourne on Friday (November 28). Mark Philippoussis will play Carlos Moya in the second match. Hewitt, who has not played since the Davis Cup semi-final against Switzerland in September, has slipped down the rankings since and is behind compatriot Philippoussis as Australia's top singles player for the tie. Hewitt, 22, the 2001 U.S Open and 2002 Wimbledon champion, said part of his long break had been enforced by a foot injury.
The Spanish team have been seeking advice from the French because this final will be played on grass as the preferred surface of the hosts. Spain defeated Australia at home on clay in the 2000 final but Australia have tempted fate by installing the same temporary grass court they used for their shock loss to France in the final two years ago.


Non-playing captain Jordi Arrese did not say what hints the French had passed on but conceded the Spanish were long outsiders to beat the Australians.

Bureau Report