Spain confident despite 'unusual' surface

Spain know they will not find it easy to begin the defence of their Davis Cup crown in Eindhoven on Friday on a surface as different as possible from the clay they find so comfortable.

"The tie against The Netherlands is difficult because it is being played on such an unusual surface -- one on which we are unlikely to play again," said Alex Corretja.

The Netherlands chose the fast supreme surface to suit a serve and volley game, but their greatest exponent of power tennis, former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek has had to pull out of the squad through injury.

"The absence of Krajicek is very important, because he is a key player for the Dutch," Corretja said. "But we should be more concerned about our own team and our need to prepare properly for the tie."

Corretja is likely to pair up with Joan Balcells in the doubles.

Another bonus for the Spanish team is the return of in-form 1998 French Open champion Carlos Moya, who reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open last month. The 24-year-old is upbeat about his team's chances in the tie.

"We have a very strong team, capable of beating anyone anywhere. If I didn't think we could win I would have stayed at home."

The visitors also boast the skills of young Juan Carlos Ferrero, whose superb wins against Australians Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt made him the hero of Spain's victory in last year's final.

Coach Juan Avedano said that the 20-year-old had adapted quickly to the new surface.

"We are all prepared to sweat it out to make sure we get through this round. I am not sure if we are the favourites, but I do know that we are going to win," Ferrero said.

The Dutch are regrouping following the loss of Krajicek, who has failed to recover from a stubborn elbow injury that has sidelined him for two months.

"Playing without Krajicek is a loss. Until last week we thought we had a real chance to win, especially on this fast court, now it is less likely," captain Tjerk Bogstra said.

Krajicek has been replaced by Raemon Sluiter, but Sluiter is likely to do more watching than playing as Sjeng Schalken and Jan Siemerink are expected to play the singles with Schalken teaming up with Paul Haarhuis for the doubles.

Haarhuis and Schalken had a good dress rehearsal, winning the doubles tournament in Milan last week.