Bates silent on Davis Cup plans

Federer expecting win over GB

Great Britain Davis Cup skipper Jeremy Bates says he will not reveal his line-up for the tie with Switzerland this weekend until the last minute.

Bates has plenty of options open to him as he tries to fill the space vacated by Tim Henman, who has retired from Davis Cup tennis.

"I've already made the decision, because I don't like to leave these things to the last minute," he said.

"But I'm not going to say what that decision is until the draw."

Bates has to name his choices for Friday's matches ahead of Thursday's draw but can then change things around for the last two singles rubbers on Sunday.

Greg Rusedski, Andy Murray, Alan Mackin and David Sherwood will lead Britain's bid against Switzerland, with the winners of the tie going into the World Group for next year's tournament.

In any Davis Cup tie you look to where your most likely points will come from and where your tougher opposition will be GB Davis Cup captain Jeremy Bates

And with Henman retired, Bates is relishing the prospect of tinkering his formation over the weekend.

"It used to be with Tim and Greg in the side that we were virtually forced to name the same two players for all three days' play," he said.

"That was something I always wanted to get away from though, and now with this team it's pleasant that I can make more tactical choices.

"I have the option of starting on Friday with Greg and Andy, Greg and Alan or with Andy and Alan."

World number one Roger Federer will lead the Switzerland team and although Bates is not writing off any of the rubbers, he may save players for certain matches.

"I don't believe in giving up on anything," Bates said. "You have to go out to win, whether you're playing the world number one of the world number 1,000.

"And although Federer has only lost three times this year, he has lost.

"Having said that, I think that in any Davis Cup tie you look to where your most likely points will come from and where your tougher opposition will be.

"It's a bit like being a football manager. I have to look to where our best chances are and pick my team around it."