Former French Open tennis champion Albert Costa was named Spain's new Davis Cup captain yesterday.

Costa replaces Emilio Sanchez Vicario who stepped aside after leading Spain to victory over Argentina in last month's final despite missing injured world number one Rafael Nadal.

"I am coming in to work with a team of great players and I hope I can rise to the challenge. I am very excited by the new project," Costa told a news conference.

The 33-year-old's first match in charge will be at home to Serbia on March 6-8.

"It will be a very difficult first match. They have some very good players like Novak Djokovic, but, like we have to do every year, we need to take it one step at a time and try to make sure we pass the round," he added.

Costa, who retired from the playing circuit in April 2006, was 2002 French Open champion. He won 12 career titles and helped Spain win their first Davis Cup crown in 2000.

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