Nadal in for Spain's Davis Cup clash

World No.2 Rafael Nadal will play the opening singles for Spain in the Davis Cup semifinal against France here on Friday.

Nadal will play Richard Gasquet while Spain's second singles player David Ferrer takes on Gilles Simon in the second singles match.

Nadal, who has already practised twice in Cordoba, described himself as just fit enough" to play after returning from New York.

Spain are favourites to win the tie and will be looking to reach the final for the third time in four years.

France captain Guy Forget reserved his top-ranked player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for Saturday's doubles with Michael Llodra against Spain's pair of Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez.

Nadal will play Simon while Ferrer takes on Gasquet in the reverse singles Sunday.

Spain, who have not lost at home since 1999, were without Nadal when they were beaten 0-5 by France last year in World Group quarterfinals.