Nadal to play in Davis Cup semis

Cordoba, Spain – Rafael Nadal will play for Spain in its Davis Cup semifinal against France next week.

The reigning U.S. and French Open champion and former world No. 1 star skipped the quarterfinals back in July when the Spaniards beat the United States 3-1 in Austin, Texas.

Spain, which is captained by former French Open champ Albert Costa, will host the French on red clay at Plaza de Toros in Cordoba. Costa will also have fifth-ranked David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez at his disposal. This is the same lineup that captured the Davis Cup title two years ago.

The best-of-five tie will be staged from September 16-18.

France was last year's runner-up to Serbia. Captained by Guy Forget, the proud Davis Cup nation will head to Cordoba with Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet ready to play.

Spain, which has won four of the last 11 Davis Cups, is 5-2 all-time versus France, a nine-time titlist seeking its first championship in 10 years.

The France-Spain winner will meet the Argentina-Serbia victor in the final in December.