Australia's Patrick Rafter has been cleared to play in the Davis Cup final against France starting on Friday after an arm injury had briefly threatened to ruin his farewell to tennis.
Australia's non-playing captain, John Fitzgerald, said Rafter's right arm was still not 100 per cent but good enough for him to take his place in the three-day final.
"There is no secret Pat has had some soreness in his arm but all along we believed that he would play," Fitzgerald said. "You just can't bet your life on these things . . . so we are delighted he is fit and ready to go".
Rafter, who was drawn to play French number one Sebastien Grosjean in Friday's second singles match, said he always expected to play in what is looming as possibly his last event.
The former world number one has already announced he plans to take next year off and has hinted he may retire if he can crown his career with an elusive Davis Cup victory.
Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, the new world number one, faces Nicolas Escude in the opening match of the tie.
Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge were named as Australia's doubles pairing, although Fitzgerald said he could change his mind depending on the results of Friday's opening singles matches.
French captain Guy Forget made a late change to his lineup, picking Fabrice Santoro and Cedric Pioline for the doubles at the expense of Australian Open finalist Arnaud Clement.