Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish to play for U.S. in Davis Cup against Spain sans Nadal

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After the No. 1 player in the world, Rafael Nadal, said Monday night that he would not be playing in the Davis Cup for Spain against the United States on July 8-10 in Austin, Texas, U.S. Davis Cup captain Jim Courier announced Tuesday that No. 9-ranked Mardy Fish, No. 10 Andy Roddick and the world’s top-ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan would represent the United States.

Fish will get his own mini-Davis Cup match against Nadal when he plays the Spaniard on Wednesday in the men’s quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

Roddick, who has 33 career singles wins for the U.S., will be playing in his hometown at the University of Texas’ Frank Erwin Center.

Spain is not without talent even with Nadal’s absence. David Ferrer, ranked No. 6 in the world; Fernando Verdasco, a 2009 Australian Open semifinalist; Feliciano Lopez, who upset Roddick at Wimbledon; and Marcel Granollers will represent the Spanish team.

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-- Diane Pucin in Wimbledon, England