Costa returns for Spain's Davis Cup defence

The experienced Albert Costa has been recalled to Spain's Davis Cup team for their first round tie against Slovakia next month.

The new two-man coaching team of Juan Bautista Avendano and Jordi Arrese drafted in the 29-year-old former French Open winner in the absence of Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Robredo. They also named Fernando Verdasco for the first time.

Costa was a member of the team that won the Davis Cup for the first time in Barcelona in 2000, but was dropped ahead of the 2003 final against Australia.

"Albert can help bring his experience of the Davis Cup to a good, young team," Avendano said. "It promises to be a difficult tie, but I believe we can win it."

Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez and Verdasco, who is more used to the faster surface that will be used on the indoor courts in Bratislava, make up the rest of the team for the March 4-6 tie.

Moya withdrew from this season's competition in order to concentrate on playing tournaments after helping Spain to victory in last year's final against the US.

Ferrero and Robredo asked to be left out of the first round tie in order to regain their form after injury.