It's Roddick vs Mankad; Blake vs Paes

United States Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe has opted for youth over experience for this weekend's Davis Cup tie against India.

Florida teenager Andy Roddick, who has enjoyed a terrific breakthrough year by winning three titles and reaching the U.S. Open quarterfinals, and Davis Cup debutant James Blake will lead the team in singles at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The doubles pairing of Don Johnson and Jared Palmer, who have only been playing together since early this year, will face a veteran Indian team in this year's French Open champions Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati, who also won the 1999 French and Wimbledon doubles titles.

But McEnroe said there was no question about his decision to replace Davis Cup veteran Todd Martin with Blake, who led eventual champion Lleyton Hewitt two sets to one at the U.S. Open before losing their second round match.

"Basically, James played his way into the spot," McEnroe said on Thursday. "He's made huge strides in his game in the last six months, especially the last couple of months. He's playing with a lot of confidence.

"Todd is the ultimate team guy. He came here knowing the situation and that this could happen but it's a testament to him that he came here in great shape. Physically, he looked good. But I think if you would ask him I think certainly he realises that this was the right call."

Roddick takes on Harsh Mankad in the first match on Friday, followed by Blake against Paes.

WELL PREPARED

"I don't really know the emotions that will be going through my head at that time," Blake said. "But I know I have prepared as well as I can to this point. That's all I can really do."

Martin has been one of Blake's biggest backers.

"I think Todd and I are very similar in that we're both late bloomers on the Tour," Blake added.

"Any time I have any kind of a lapse in concentration or if I feel my game isn't there, he is the first person I call. He helps me get through that and has helped me realise my potential and that I can do some good things in this sport."

The Indian team will rely heavily on Paes, who will play singles and doubles, as well as being the squad's spiritual leader.

"I can't get enough of it," Paes said. "I love playing Davis Cup having done it for a few years playing all three matches. I have a lot of fun."