Spain underlined their status as the Davis Cup's new dominant force in 2008 when they claimed their third title in eight years over Argentina in Mar del Plata, despite the injury-enforced absence of Rafael Nadal.

With Nadal back in the frame and looking as imperious as ever on his favoured red clay, few are willing to bet against the Spaniards repeating their success at the conclusion of the 2009 Davis Cup

Nadal's men, having already brushed aside Novak Djokovic's emerging Serbia, were preparing for a home quarter-final against Germany in July, while Russia, perhaps their most serious rivals, headed to surprise quarter-finalists Israel.

Boasting an unpredictable trio of Marat Safin, Mikhail Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov, Russia had nevertheless won their last 16 home ties dating back to 1996 and crucially would have home advantage over the Spaniards next time they met.

The Spaniards and Russians have done more than most in recent years to keep alive the magic of the Davis Cup

Fernando Verdasco's five-set win over Jose Acasuso to win it for Spain in 2008 and Youzhny's heroic come-from-behind win in his fifth-rubber decider over Paul-Henri Mathieu in 2002 provide iconic images which sustain the grand old competition.

Great Britain, however, faced a long haul back to the big-time. Having lost three successive matches heading into 2009, they had to win their next, against Poland, to avoid slipping into the bowels of the Euro-African Group Zone II.