Querrey to replace tired Blake in U.S. Davis Cup team
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sam Querrey will replace an "exhausted" James Blake in the U.S. team to face Spain in next week's Davis Cup semi-final, captain Patrick McEnroe said on Tuesday.
Blake has played in every Davis Cup tie for the U.S. since 2005 and last year helped them win their first title in 12 years.
"James is just physically and mentally exhausted after a grueling summer," McEnroe said in a statement. "He said he needed a break and we respect that.
"This is also a great opportunity for Sam, who has had a solid year, strong results on clay and has been a loyal practice partner for this team."
The 20-year-old Querrey, ranked 40th in the world, won his first ATP title in March and recently enjoyed his best performance at a grand slam, reaching the last 16 at the U.S. Open.
He will be making his first Davis Cup appearance.
McEnroe had said last week that Blake would play against Spain along with former world number one Andy Roddick and Bob and Mike Bryan.
The best-of-five tie against Spain will be played in Madrid from September 19-21. Argentina host Russia in the other semi-final.
(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Ed Osmond)
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
