Tommy Haas is making a return to the Davis Cup after 4 1/2 years, although he is unlikely to play singles in Germany's first-round series against Argentina.
The German veteran, two months shy of 34, was picked for the doubles by Germany captain Patrik Kuehnen on Thursday.
''Davis Cup was always a highlight for me,'' said Haas, who was once ranked as high as No. 2. ''I see my role as a joker and I would have been happy just to be a hitting partner (for the others).''
Philipp Petzschner will open the best-of-five series on Friday against Juan Monaco, Argentina's highest-ranked player at 23. Petzschner is No. 56.
''I am pleased to have gained the trust of the team,'' said Petzschner, who has U.S. Open and Wimbledon titles in doubles.
Kuehnen said Haas had been considered as an option for the singles ''but we came to the conclusion that Philipp has earned it the right to play singles as well.''
In the second singles, Germany's No. 1 Florian Mayer takes on David Nalbandian. Mayer is ranked No. 21, while Nalbandian has slipped to 84.
Haas and Petzschner were named to face Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank in Saturday's doubles, with the reverse singles on Sunday. The captains can change players until shortly before the matches.
Germany is without its No. 2 Philipp Kohlschreiber because of an illness.
Argentina, last year's runner-up to Spain, has a 5-2 edge over Germany. Germany won three titles in the days of Boris Becker, while Argentina was runner-up four times.
Monaco comes into the series on the back of winning his fourth career title at Vina del Mar, Chile, last week.
