A mouthwatering Roger Federer-Lleyton Hewitt Davis Cup clash was set up yesterday when Switzerland were drawn to host Australia in the first round of the men's international team competition.

World number one Federer is yet to confirm his participation in February's first round but is sure to step in now Switzerland's World Group opponents are known.

Patriotic Hewitt is fiercely loyal to Australia's Davis Cup cause and the tie is sure to be the highlight of the first round fixtures.

The top two seeds, Croatia and Slovakia, who will contest the 2005 final in Bratislava in December, face trips to Austria and Chile respectively.

The United States face a seemingly easy start when they entertain Romania while third-seeded Spain travel to Belarus.

Russia, seeded fourth, visit the Netherlands and Germany will entertain France.

¤ French Open champion Rafael Nadal will open his 2006 season at the $400,000 Chennai Open in southern India starting on January 2, organisers said yesterday. "The Chennai tournament is a great event and the enthusiasm of the crowds is very encouraging," Nadal said in a statement. "I love India and it's a pleasure to be coming back there."

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