David Nalbandian thinks this could be quick work. He sees no reason why Argentina can't wrap up its Davis Cup semifinal against Australia with a day to spare.

Nalbandian, ranked No. 4, will open Friday against Mark Philippoussis, who is ranked No. 117. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia's top player, faces Jose Acasuso in the second singles match.

``I believe we have very good chances and, Saturday, we might just define it all in our favour,'' Nalbandian said after Thursday's draw.

Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri are to play Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley in doubles Saturday. Reverse singles are scheduled for Sunday in the best-of-five series. The winner plays the United States or Russia for the title in December.

Hewitt has had a contentious relationship with Argentine players, and that was clear at the draw. Nalbandian applauded all the Australians except Hewitt. In turn, Hewitt clapped for none of the Argentine players.

Argentina and Australia are 2-2 in the Davis Cup. Australia has won 28 Davis Cups while Argentina is looking for its first title.

Argentina, which hasn't been beaten at home since 1998, chose to play on clay, and Nalbandian thinks that will help.

Philippoussis ``is a great tennis player, but he's coming off a series of injuries and this playing surface doesn't favour his style of play,'' Nalbandian said.

Philippoussis isn't buying that. The big-serving Aussie helped his country win the title in 1999 and 2003, and he has a 13-9 Davis Cup record.

``Matches are won on the court and I also have a lot of confidence in my abilities,'' the two-time Grand Slam runner-up said. ``I've been training hard.''

He and Nalbandian have split their two matchups, but both times were three years ago on hardcourts. Hewitt beat Acasuso in straight sets the only time they met _ at the 2005 U.S. Open.

Acasuso was the choice for singles over the more experienced Calleri. The former debuted in Davis Cup this year and is 2-0 in singles. He also won his third career ATP clay title this year in Vina del Mar.

Plus, he'll have an expected 14,000 fans behind him at Parque Roca.

``I know I'm going to find the stadium just in an uproar, but that's normal and I'm used to it,'' Hewitt said.

© The Canadian Press, 2007