surprise by dropping his number one player Alex Corretja for the opening singles of the final against defending champions Australia.

Corretja is expected to come in as a substitute in the reverse singles on Sunday, but Spain's bid for a first Davis Cup title will be led off today by Albert Costa and Juan Carlos Ferrero on the indoor clay surface in Barcelona.

Costa, ranked 26 in the world, will play the first singles against Australian number one Lleyton Hewitt (ranked seven), with Ferrero (12) up against Bermuda-based Patrick Rafter (15) in the second match.

Corretja, ranked eighth, will play the doubles alongside Juan Balcells against Mark Woodforde and Sandon Stolle tomorrow.

Australian captain John Newcombe, bidding to seal a 28th title for his country, said his side would have to be prepared for a change in the Spanish line-up on Sunday.

"You would imagine that Alex Corretja would have to play singles at some point,'' said Newcombe. "We did think he would play the first day.

"Perhaps the feeling is that he'll come in fresh for the doubles and then play in either the fourth or fifth match on Sunday, depending on the results on the Friday.

"What we have to do is try to ensure the results on Sunday don't matter.'' Corretja has won opening-day singles in each of Spain's three victories this season, against Italy, Russia and the United States.

Duarte offered little in the way of explanation for his omission, saying simply it was a technical decision.

"The technical committee just decided that Costa was the best player to face Hewitt on the opening day and that Ferrero would then be the ideal person to take on Rafter,'' said Duarte.

Corretja said he was content to be on the sidelines at the start of the tie but offered a strong hint that he could come in on Sunday.

"I don't mind at all about not playing,'' said Corretja. "It doesn't matter because we're all part of the same team.

"I want to help the team in any way I can. If I can help by winning on Saturday in the doubles and then in the singles on Sunday -- then great, but only if the coach decides to play me.'' This is how we'll do it..: Bermuda-based Australian, Pat Rafter whispers to teammate Lleyton Hewitt during the draw for the final of the Davis Cup against Spain. The tournament begins today.