Spain opens Davis Cup defense in bullring against Switzerland, without Roger Federer

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Spain opts for bullring against Swiss in Davis Cup

BARCELONA, Spain — Defending champion Spain will not have to face Roger Federer when it hosts Switzerland in a bullring in the Davis Cup opener.

The Spanish have chosen Logrono’s 11,000-capacity Plaza de Toros for the first-round series March 5-7. The bullring features a retractable roof, with the hosts likely to choose a clay surface.

An anticipated Federer-Rafael Nadal match will not happen, however, after the Swiss tennis federation confirmed Tuesday that the top-ranked player will not take part.

Swiss No. 2 Stanislas Wawrinka is also in doubt because his wife is expected to have a baby near tournament time.

Spain defended its title in November with a 5-0 sweep of the Czech Republic.