Ferrer pulls out of Spain-Belgium Davis Cup tie

David Ferrer has pulled out of the opening match of Spain's Davis Cup World Group match against Belgium on Friday.

Ninth-ranked Fernando Verdasco will take Ferrer's place and will play Xavier Malisse in the opener.

The sixth-ranked Ferrer pulled out with an inflamed nerve in his shoulder.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will play Ruben Bemelmans in the second match of Friday's opening day on the hard court of the 6,500-capacity Spiroudome in southern Charleroi.

Doubles are set for Saturday and reverse singles for Sunday. In 2003, Spain beat Belgium 5-0.