Australia face Taiwan in Davis Cup
Australia face Taiwan in Davis Cup 
Former Australian Captain September 27, 2007
Australia will begin its quest to return to the Davis Cup World Group with a tie against Taiwan in February.
The Australians will face the Asian minnows in Taiwan with the winners to play-off for re-entry to the World Group. The Taiwanese feature top 100-ranked Lu Yen-Hsun.
Winner of the Davis Cup 28 times, Australia dropped out of the World Group for the first time since when it lost to Serbia 4-1 last week.
The Serbs meanwhile were handed a tough debut in the World Group when they were drawn away to 2006 champions Russia in next year’s competition.
Today’s draw in London also paired the United States, who beat Sweden last week to set up a home final with Russia in November, with Austria.
Britain, who returned to the elite for the first time since 2003 by beating Croatia in a playoff tie, faces a daunting task in Argentina.
Serbia defeated Australia 4-1 in their playoff last weekend with world No.3 Novak Djokovic once again inspiring them to victory.
The US Open runner-up and semi-finalist at Wimbledon and Roland Garros will relish a February clash against a Russia side underpinned by Nikolay Davydenko.
Of the other seeded nations in the World Group, France travel to Romania, Spain must go to Peru and Belgium face a tricky test in the Czech Republic.
Sweden are at home to Israel while Germany host South Korea.
Croatia, the 2005 champion but relegated from the World Group after its defeat by Britain at Wimbledon, will be happy to have home advantage against Italy in their Euro/Africa Zone clash after both received byes.
The World Group ties take place February 8-10 next year.
Reuters