Federer, Nadal in line for Davis Cup clash

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could go head to head in the first round of next year's Davis Cup after Spain were drawn to face Switzerland in the first round of the World Group yesterday.

The Czech Republic, who will meet Spain in this year's final, face Belgium while India, back in the World Group for the first time since 1998, have been handed a tough opener in Russia.

Argentina travel to Sweden while the United States have been drawn away to Serbia. Israel tackle Chile.

Federer recovered from his shock defeat against Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open final to win both his singles in Switzerland's 3-2 defeat of Italy in a World Group play-off last weekend.

The 15-times grand slam champion has never faced Nadal in Davis Cup action and the prospect of taking on the Mallorcan in Spain could persuade Federer to make himself available for the first round in March.