Del Potro to skip Argentina Davis Cup opener

Juan Martin del Potro will not play for Argentina in their Davis Cup first round clash against Germany in February with the world number 11 preferring not to perform on a clay court.

"We'll not be playing the Davis Cup tie in Germany. It's a tough decision but Germany have chosen a clay court, knowing how difficult that would be (for) Del Potro," the player's coach Franco Davin told La Nacion.

"We think that's the best thing to do. Juan Martin's physical condition is crucial. To play on clay and then switch to a hard court the following day (at the Rotterdam ATP tournament) is too big a risk."

Del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, lost both his singles rubbers in the 2011 Davis Cup final against Spain in Seville, a match which was also played on clay.

In his absence, Argentina captain Martin Jaite will look to Juan Monaco, the world number 26, Juan Ignacio Chela (ranked 29) and the doubles pairing of David Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank for the February 10-12 tie in the Bavarian town of Bamberg.

Germany will be led by Florian Mayer, the 23rd-ranked player, and Philipp Kohlschreiber, the world no. 43.