The three-time French Open champion is skipping Spain's match on clay in Lima from Feb. 8-10 because of fatigue after traveling back from the Australian Open.

"I arrived in Australia with a time change of 10 hours and if I go to Peru now it'll be hard to be 100 percent," the second-ranked Nadal said Tuesday. "It's better if those who are already prepared go. I don't consider myself suitable for this tie."

Nadal, who reached the semifinals in Melbourne but lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, is confident the Spanish public will understand his decision, especially with No. 5 David Ferrer, 17th-ranked Tommy Robredo and clay-court specialist Nicolas Almagro available. Fernando Verdasco is also on the team.

"I've always done all I could to play and this is the first time that I haven't volunteered myself. I hope people understand my reasons and if not, I'm sorry," said Nadal, who helped lead Spain over the United States in the 2004 final.