LONDON, Oct 9: Britain were given the toughest possible tie on their return to the Davis Cup World Gioup .ifur a six-year absence here Thursday when former world number one Stefan Edberg drew the United States as their first round opponents, reports AFP.

The London-based Swede, who won six Grand Slam singles crowns during his illustrious career, was gentler with his compatriots.

He drew the defending champions and this year's finalists to play Slovakia — at home. It will be a repeat of this year's first round match when Sweden just managed to win 3-2 in Slovakia.

In the other World Group matches, to be played from April 2-4 next year. Australia

are away to Zimbabwe and France will play hosts to Holland.

Spain also have a home draw against Brazil, the Czech Republic must travel to Belgium. Switzerland welcome the Italians and Germany have home advantage against Russia.

Britain's Greg Rusedski, who would partner Tim Henman in the British team, said: "I think it wjJF b« an interesting tiBj'*;

The Canadian-born British number two, who packs the world's biggest serve and who was the world's fourth-ranked player twelve months ago, added: "It will be interesting to see which team the Americans bring — the one that lost against Italy in the 1998 semifinals or the'one which features Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras."

Because of the date for the tie. grass wall be ruled out and Britain will probably opt for a

fast indoor court.

Crowther said a final decision on where the tie would be played would be made "as soon as possible." and he mentioned Birmingham. Wembley. Newcastle and Manchester as possible venues.

American captain Tom Gul-likson and the United States Tennis Association now have six months to try to tempt back T ^heir star"players. ■ ' . '

Sampras, Agassi and Michael Chang all made themselves "unavailable" for this year's semifinal against Italy which the Americans lost 1-4 in Milwaukee.

Histoiy will be weighted in favour of the Americans who have won the trophy 31 times and reached the final on 28 occasions. Britain's ninth and last victory in the competition came back in 1936.