U.S., Austria square off Friday in Davis Cup

VIENNA, Austria - Andy Roddick will face Jurgen Melzer on Friday in the opening match when the United States defends its Davis Cup title against Austria on indoor clay.

James Blake and Stefan Koubek will play in the second match of the best-of-five series. The pairings were announced Thursday.

"I don't see it as an advantage nor as a disadvantage to start," said Roddick, who is 6-0 against Melzer and hasn't dropped a set against the Austrian.

Still, Melzer is glad to get out on the court first.

"I am pretty happy to be out there first as it gives me some more time to recover for the doubles on Saturday," said Melzer, who expects a loud home crowd of about 6,500 boisterous fans. "But the spectators alone won't win matches - we have to be at our best."

In Saturday's doubles, top-ranked Bob and Mike Bryan will play Melzer and Julian Knowle. The reverse singles are scheduled for Sunday.

The United States won its record 32nd Davis Cup title in December. The Americans won both previous meetings against Austria, in 1990 and 2004.

Apart from substitute Werner Eschauer, all Austrian players are left-handed, and the Americans have been preparing for them.

"We brought in a couple of left-handed practice partners so we should be well-prepared for that," Roddick said, who is ranked No. 6.

United States captain Patrick McEnroe said he hoped the newly prepared clay court at the Ferry-Dusika Stadium would be settled by Friday.

"It always takes some time with a new court," McEnroe said. "The playing surface is OK now, but there are still some rough spots behind the baseline. I hope they'll fix that by tomorrow."

Austria team captain Gilbert Schaller said the series was significant for Austrian tennis.

"If we win, we will be heroes," Schaller said. "But even if we lose, this tie could give the tennis sport in Austria an enormous boost."

Austria hasn't won in the World Group since 1995.