Federer absence makes US favorites: McEnroe

NEW YORK: The absence of Roger Federer makes the US favorites to advance in next month's Davis Cup tie against Switzerland, American captain Patrick McEnroe said on Tuesday.

McEnroe will send out his usual squad of Andy Roddick, James Blake and doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan against Switzerland in the Birmingham, Alabama first-round match which has been hit by the withdrawal of Federer due to a back injury.

"With Roger pulling out, that changes the dynamic," McEnroe said in a conference call.