Nadal should be fit for Davis Cup tie

MADRID, Feb 1 (Reuters) World number two Rafael Nadal should be fit for Spain's Davis Cup World Group tie against Switzerland this month despite picking up an injury in the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old sustained a minor thigh strain during his marathon five-set victory over Andy Murray in the fourth round in Melbourne and struggled for form as he was steamrollered by losing finalist Fernando Gonzalez in the quarter-finals.

''He has a small strain at the back of his leg, but is recovering well,'' Spanish Tennis Federation doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro was quoted as saying in the sports daily AS today.

''He is training pretty well although he has got a few niggles but he is making good progress and we really hope that he will be at 100 percent for the Davis Cup.'' World number one Roger Federer has said he will not be playing for Switzerland in the tie which takes place in Geneva from Feb. 9-11.

If fit, Nadal will be accompanied by David Ferrer, Fernando Velasco and Feliciano Lopez.

REUTERS SAM HT1815