U.S., Russia Paired

Three years after they faced each other in the Davis Cup final, the United States and Russia will meet in the first round in 1998.

The countries were paired against each other in Wednesday’s World Group draw, with the United States hosting the April 3-5 matches.

The United States defeated Russia 3-2 in the 1995 final in Moscow as Pete Sampras accounted for all three points.

Sampras will lead the Americans into this year’s final against Sweden, in Goteborg next month.