Nadal's shock Davis Cup call

Rafael Nadal will shoulder Spain's Davis Cup hopes against the world's fastest server, Andy Roddick, when the final begins in Seville today.

The hosts sprang a major surprise by selecting 18-year-old Nadal in front of former world No1 Juan Carlos Ferrero for the singles.

Ferrero, plagued by niggling injuries all year, had been expected to face the United States despite saying earlier this week he was only 85 per cent fit. However, the Spaniards have made the surprise switch.

Today's other singles will pit Carlos Moya against Olympic silver medallist Mardy Fish. Nadal is due to team up with Tommy Robredo to face the Bryan twins, Mike and Bob, in tomorrow's doubles with the reverse singles on Sunday.

The US have won a record 31 Davis Cup titles. Spain, champions in 2000, are in their third final in five years.