Argentinean Davis Cup captain Alberto Mancini has announced that Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian will be representing Argentina in the singles matches at the Davis Cup semi-final against Russia in Buenos Aires this weekend.

Nalbandian’s selection for the singles matches comes as no surprise, as the world number 7 is favourite to win when challenged on clay. However, Nalbandian, who has experience of dealing with Russia in the final stages of the Davis Cup, cautioned against underestimating Russia’s capabilities on clay.

“Argentina are better on clay against a lot of nations but I think that will not be the same against Russia,” he told reporters. “They have very good players on this surface and it will be a tough tie. We were so close two years ago. I think there will be no major difference between the two teams.”

Del Potro, meanwhile, is relishing the prospect of taking on the Russians in front of a home crowd. The young Argentinean comes into the Davis Cup on the back of four consecutive ATP title wins, and realises that expectations in Argentina have been raised by his recent performances.

“People want me to keep showing what I’ve been doing recently, but I will not take it as pressure but as a good thing,” he said.