Federer and Nadal in Davis Cup clash

The tie will be held in Switzerland which means that Federer can choose the surface and almost certainly he'll go for anything other than clay.

Roger Federer's Switzerland will take on Rafael Nadal's Spain in the Davis Cup World Group first round next February.

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The draw for the opening salvoes in next year's team competition set the scene for an early showdown between the sport's two top players.

The tie will be held in Switzerland which means that Federer and his men can choose the surface and almost certainly will choose anything other than clay on which the Spaniards excel.

This year's final will take place in Moscow in early December between Argentinia and Russia.

Next year the South Americans will kick off their campaign away to Austria, while the Russians travel to Chile where they will go up against Olympics doubles champions Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Massu.

The United States, losing semi-finalists to Russia this year, have a tricky trip to the Czech Republic as do Australia who will need to beat a tough Belgian side away from home.

World Group 1st rd

Chile v Russia

France v Romania

Germany v Croatia

Belgium v Australia

Czech Republic v United States

Switzerland v Spain