Russian Captain Shamil Tarpischev has surprised observers by leaving out his top player Nikolay Davydyenko from today's Davis Cup final singles.

According to Tarpischev, Davydenko was left out for tactical reasons.

“I do not feel perfect. Tursunov and Yuzhny are playing much better now, much stronger than me. I am physically not that great and these guys are well prepared for the five set matches. That is why it was decided they play the first day,”  explained Davydenko.

So it is going to be Dmitry Tursunov who will face big serving Andy Roddick in the opening match at the Memorial Colosseum.

That will be followed by Mikhail Youzhny against James Blake in Friday's second singles.

It is not until Saturday that Davydenko gets his chance.

Russia's top ranked player will team up with Igor Andreev to face the best doubles team in world tennis – Bob and Mike Bryan.

And the final concludes on Sunday with the reverse singles.