U.S. Davis Cup team faces Nadal-less Spain

If there were ever a time the U.S. Davis Cup team could envision beating Spain, it had to be now with Rafael Nadal absent. Sore knees have sidelined Nadal, giving confidence to an American team that already knocked off Switzerland and France en route to the semifinals. The U.S. faces the task of its first win in Spain in 40 years and ending Spain’s 13-year home unbeaten run on clay. The Americans will play without Andy Roddick, who retired after the U.S. Open. John Isner stepped in to fill the void of Roddick’s departure. Sam Querrey will open today’s singles against David Ferrer before Isner plays Nicolas Almagro. – Associated Press