Spain have turned to their old sporting rivals France for tips on how to beat Australia in the Davis Cup final starting on Friday.
The Spanish defeated Australia at home on clay in the 2000 final but have been getting advice from the French on how to topple the Aussies on their preferred surface.
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"We have been speaking to the French and they have told us some things that went on when they played Australia," Spain's non-playing captain Jordi Arrese told a news conference on Thursday.
"It's one thing to do it in Spain but it's another thing to come here to Australia and play with the favourites."
Arrese did not say what hints the French had passed on but conceded the Spanish were long outsiders to beat the Australians.
"They are the ones that perhaps are looking the stronger team," Arrese said.
"It is in their turf and they've been more successful at this than we have."
GLOOMY PREDICTIONS
Despite the gloomy predictions of their captain, the Spanish players are still hopeful of pulling of an upset.
Their two singles players, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya, are both ranked above their Australian opponents Mark Philippoussis and Lleyton Hewitt and they have been encouraged that the grass court has been playing slower than expected in the first few days of practice.
A slower court with plenty of bounce would suit the Spanish baseliners while the Australians would prefer a faster surface to get the most out of Philippoussis' booming serve.
Hewitt is also a master on grass after capturing Wimbledon last year and winning Queen's three years in a row.
"It isn't too fast," said French Open champion Ferrero.
"The ball seems to be bouncing well so we're feeling good about it."
Spanish veteran Alex Corretja, who will team up with Davis Cup rookie Feliciano Lopez in the doubles, is also growing in confidence.
"We are feeling really good and we are united," Corretja said.
"If we have come this far it is because we believe we are going to win, otherwise we might as well have stayed at home.
"But be that as it may, even if we lose here, we are going to put up a good fight."
Corretja said his main role would be to help calm the nerves of 22-year-old Lopez, the left-handed serve-volleyer who was selected ahead of his more accomplished countryman Albert Costa for Saturday's doubles rubber with the experienced pair Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs.
"My duty is to make things right, make things okay, make sure that he is feeling at ease, that he is focused," Corretja said.
"I shall try to make him feel more relaxed and reduce his stress. I just want him to play well."
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