Returning Agassi eager for crunch Davis Cup tie

Back in the United States Davis Cup team for the first time in five years, Andre Agassi is raring to get started in this weekend's first round clash against Croatia.

The eight-times grand slam champion returns to the men's team competition for the pick of the first round ties and cannot wait to immerse himself in the unique atmosphere of the cup.

"I don't know what I can bring... my first goal is to come here and try to put a couple of points on the board," he said ahead of this weekend's clash at Carson, Los Angeles.

"Inside the lines, I'm very focused on what I need to do, being out there and playing against a real talented team that's playing really well lately.

"I'm looking forward to that challenge."

Agassi agreed to return to the US Davis Cup squad after a lengthy heart-to-heart with captain Patrick McEnroe last month. He had quit in 2000 as he felt unable to commit to full-time Davis Cup plus the rigours of the grand slams and ATP Tour.

However, McEnroe and the rest of the US team are happy for Agassi to play whenever he feels he can.

"The reason that I didn't play four years ago and sort of retired from Davis Cup was I knew I couldn't play the entire year and I didn't just want to play conveniently," Agassi said.

"You're either part of it or you're not and that's sort of been my belief. When Patrick came out to Vegas he spent a fair amount of time discussing what my issues really were and expressed not only understanding but also a lot support for me being a part of it.

"For me it was about making a phone call to all of the guys and hearing it from them... when I got (their) support it was the best of both worlds for me. It allows me to be a part of it again."

Certainly Andy Roddick is thrilled at Agassi's return. "We're ecstatic about it, we knew it was somewhat of a possibility and we always hoped that that possibility would become a reality," he said.

"I know myself, Bob and Mike (Bryan) we all really idolised this guy growing up so now it's pretty surreal but we are excited."

Even Croatian captain Nikki Pilic is pleased to have Agassi involved.

"I think it is very good for the tie that Andre is playing because he is an excellent player," Pilic said.

"I think he is a great player that has a lot of charisma and personality. Obviously for us it would be better if someone else was playing instead of him."

The United States-Croatia clash headlines first round action in the elite 16-team World Group.

In other action, holders Spain will be hoping history does not repeat itself when they begin the defence of their crown against Slovakia in Bratislava.

After winning the title for the first time in 2000, Spain's reign as champions lasted just two months.

First-round losers last year, Australia will be favourites to win in Sydney when they face an Austrian squad hit by the absence of suspended Stefan Koubek.

Russia go into their match with Chile favourites after doubles Olympic champion Nicolas Massu pulled out of the trip to Moscow with a toe injury.

Switzerland are missing Roger Federer for their home tie against the Netherlands in Fribourg while France are likely to struggle against Sweden in Strasbourg.

Argentina host the Czech Republic in Buenos Aires and Belarus travel to Brasov to take on Romania.

Nadal dropped from singles spot

Meanwhile, Davis Cup hero Rafael Nadal was dropped yesterday from his singles spot in Spain's team for the champions' clash with Slovakia this weekend.

The burly teenager will now feature only in the doubles in Bratislava tomorrow.

Spain's hopes of retaining their Davis Cup title will now rest largely on the shoulders of Feliciano Lopez.

Lopez, the most proficient of the Spaniards on fast courts, was named Spain's number one singles player in the absence of Carlos Moya who has quit the men's team competition.

Nadal, the only survivor from the 2004 winning side and winner of two titles last month, will team up with former French Open champion Albert Costa to play Hrbaty and Michal Mertinak in tomorrow's doubles before Sunday's reverse singles.