Madrid, Nov 04: Former French open champion Albert Costa was dropped from the Spanish team that will face Australia in the Davis cup final, the Spanish Tennis Federation has said. Feliciano Lopez, who plays well on grass, will replace Costa for the Nov 28-30 final in Melbourne, Australia. The Australians have chosen to play for the Davis cup on grass.

Lopez will be joined by World No. 2 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alex Corretja and Carlos Moya. Spain captain Jordi Arrese has until Nov 18, the deadline for nominations, to change his team. "This is a difficult situation for Albert Costa, because he has always done what was asked of him, and has given his all," Arrese said. "It's clear he is sad, but he knows that our decision makes sense, that we thought about it, and he understands that."

Costa, ranked 25th in the world, won the French open in 2002 and reached the semifinals earlier this year. He played for Spain in the previous three rounds of the Davis cup.

"Of course my pride is hurt," Costa said. "But I also expected it."

"I will watch all the matches on the television, and whether they win or lose, I will feel like a winner or a loser with them. I feel part of this team," he added. The 28th-ranked Lopez has never won an ATP event. Bureau Report