Davis Cup captain John Newcombe declared from Harare yesterday that dual US champion Patrick Rafter was ready for a "war of attrition" against Zimbabwe this Friday."There is a lot to do in a week of practice with the guys getting used to the 5,000 ft altitude and indoor hardcourt surface, so we'll see what happens," Newcombe said.
"I haven't considered Lleyton (Hewitt) for singles, but if something goes wrong and I suspect that either Patrick or Mark are not right, then I'm not frightened to throw him in for his singles debut.
"He'll get the nod before either doubles specialists Todd Woodbridge or Mark Woodforde".
Despite Rafter's form slump and failing to pass the third round in six tournaaments this year, Newcombe has not panicked.
"I watched him in Indian Wells and I've talked to him about his problem," he said.
"Besides needing more match play his service lacks proper timing and it's not biting enough off the court and allowing opponents to return really well.
"Patrick's got a week to get it together and I'm confident that as a big-time Davis cup player he can lift by another 10 percent to a 90 percent level.
"This is not the first time he's been in this situation and I think he's very close to turning it around.
"Someone sitting on the sideline in Davis Cup will help him keep focused and build his confidence."