The big-serving U.S. players like fast courts but Spain has decided that the December final will be on clay in the southern city of Seville, which is at a much lower altitude than the capital Madrid, meaning the balls will travel slower.

"We prefer faster courts than...the slowest (possible) red clay that I'm sure (Spain) will put it (the final) on," Fish said at the Madrid masters tournament, where he lost to Romanian Andrei Pavel in the second round.

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"They play extremely well at home. I think it is definitely one of the toughest match-ups that we can encounter."

However, a team including world number two Andy Roddick and powerful doubles duo Mike and Bob Bryan meant the Americans will be heading to Spain convinced they can win.

"Andy and the Bryan brothers haven't even lost a set yet (in a Davis Cup match) this year. We're extremely confident in that aspect," said the Olympic silver medallist.

"We don't have to beat them in an entire tournament. We don't even have to win five times...all you need is three points," he added.