Safin won't play in Davis Cup final

Lists for the two squads who meet in the final of the worldwide competition show the defending champion Russia squad will be led by Nikolay Davydenko, resting this week in the Maldives after playing in the Masters Cup.

 Russia named Igor Andreev, Dmitry Tursunov and Mikhail Youzhny alongside Davydenko.

 Safin has not played since losing in disgust last month in his opening match in Mardrid and saying he would end his season early to try and find motivation for 2008.

 US coach Patrick McEnroe will stick with his usual lineup of Andy Roddick, James Blake and the Bryan brothers for doubles.

 The US will host a Davis final at home for the first time since 1992 against Switzerland in 1992. The US last reached a final three years ago, losing in Seville to Spain.

 Roddick, whose ranking dropped to sixth, will need a confidence boost on the fast indoor hardcourt after suffering back-to-back thrashings in Shanghai last week against Roger Federer and Spain's David Ferrer.

 Blake went out with a whimper at the end of the regular ATP season, losing to Richard Gasquet at Paris Bercy to miss his chance at the Masters Cup.

 Bob and Mike Bryan skipped Shanghai last week a the world number one pairing due to a shoulder injury to Mike.

 The US hold a 2-1 lead over Russia, with the Russians winning the last meeting in a 2006 semi-final in Moscow.