Russia [Images] have dropped their number one player Nikolay Davydenko from the singles for this weekend's Davis Cup semi-final against the United States on clay in Moscow [Images].

Russia captain Shamil Tarpishechev omitted the world number five and US Open semi-finalist in favour of Mikhail Youzhny and Marat Safin [Images] on Thursday.

Safin will take on US Open finalist Andy Roddick [Images] in the battle of two former world number ones in the opening singles on Friday.

Youzhny, who clinched Russia's first Davis Cup title in 2002 and reached the US Open semi-finals earlier this month before losing to Roddick, then faces eighth-ranked James Blake in the second rubber at the Olympic Sports Complex.

"All four of our designated players are ready to play, so it is a strictly tactical move to leave out Davydenko," Tarpishchev told reporters. "He could still play on Sunday or even in the doubles on Saturday."

The Russians are seeking their first victory over their former Cold War adversaries in the Davis Cup after losing two previous ties, including the 1995 Moscow final on a similar clay surface.

Davydenko, 25, who is regarded as a clay-court specialist after reaching last year's French Open semi-finals, did not comment on his fitness after pulling out of last week's tournament in China.

"We have Mikhail and Marat, who are both in great physical form, and hopefully they will do a great job for us. As for myself, it's going to be three tough days and if my team needs me later on, I'll be ready," he said.

Davydenko played 30 tournaments last year, more than any other player, and 26 so far this year.

The Americans said the news would not throw them of their game plan.

"We're not very surprised. We know that the Russians, and it's part of their strength, have four players who could play the match," said US captain Patrick McEnroe.

"Davydenko may have some physical problems this week but it doesn't change our preparations in any way."

Unlike Tarpishchev, McEnroe did not have any dilemmas about his players, possessing the world's top doubles team in twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryans with Roddick and Blake long assured of playing singles.

"We know what our roles are and it's to our advantage," he said. "The bottom line is to win three points whatever way we can."

Blake, who is having his best season, added: "We didn't grow up on clay like some of the Europeans or South Americans but we feel comfortable here."

The winners will face either Argentina or Australia, who meet in the other semi-final in Buenos Aires, in the December final.

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