JERUSALEM (AP) -Russia's Marat Safin will not play singles matches in the Davis Cup quarterfinal against Israel.
In Thursday's draw, Russian coach Shamil Tarpischev decided to play Safin in doubles, alongside Igor Kunitsyn. Igor Andreev and Mikhail Youzhny will play the singles matches.
Safin says he respected the decision.
"It is important not to take chances but to play with the best combination," said Safin, whose sister Dinara, is ranked No. 1. "I felt like I wasn't in the best shape right now, so I needed some extra days to get ready."
The 29-year-old Russian, who plans to retire this year, is ranked 60th after losing in the first round of Wimbledon.
Friday's opening match will feature Andreev, ranked 24th, against 210th-ranked Israeli Harel Levy.
