Nadal to play Monaco to open Davis Cup final

Argentina decided to hold back David Nalbandian, opting instead to send Juan Monaco up against Rafael Nadal in the opening singles match of the Davis Cup final.Nadal will take on Monaco on Friday in the opening match of the best-of-five series on clay at the Olympic Stadium, with Nalbandian picked to play in Saturdays doubles. The 2002 Wimbledon finalist could then play in Sundays reverse singles if Argentina is still alive.Nadal has won 18-straight singles matches in the competition since losing in his debut in 2004.Its one of the greatest (challenges) in (tennis) history, Monaco said Thursday at the Lope de Vega theater, the site of the draw for the final. Its a tough match not only to play the first game for Argentina but also against my good friend Rafa. Its a new challenge, but it definitely motivates me to be playing in my first Davis Cup final.Monaco is only 5-7 in Davis Cup play, while Nalbandian is 22-5 in singles and 10-1 on clay. Overall, Nalbandian is 33-10 overall in the competition.After Nadals opening match, fifth-ranked David Ferrer will play Juan Martin del Potro. In doubles, Nalbandian will partner with Eduardo Schwank against Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco.Nadal and Ferrer are a combined 25-0 on clay for four-time champion Spain.No match is won beforehand. Somebody has to play first and Im going to be the first to try and win that first point for Spain, said Nadal, a six-time French Open champion who is scheduled to play Del Potro in Sundays reverse singles. Even if Im tired I tried my best to arrive in the best conditions. Every point will be a difficult one.If Argentina can get at least one point on Friday or Saturday, it is possible that Nalbandian would replace Monaco for Sundays reverse singles match against Ferrer.