It was Federer's first loss on indoor hard courts since the Argentine rallied to beat him at the Masters Cup in Shanghai nearly two years ago.

BBC: Nalbandian beats Federer in Spain

The ecstatic French, without the services of their injured number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, enjoyed a lap of honour on the indoor hard-court of the Palais des Sports.

BBC: France beat Argentina to reach Davis Cup final

Argentina will be represented by Juan Martin del Potro, David Nalbandian, Jose Acasuso and Agustin Calleri for the best-of-five series on an indoor hard court in Mar del Plata.

BBC: Nadal will miss Davis Cup final

Meanwhile, Milos Raonic confirmed his as the king of the indoor hard court at the SAP Open , winning the San Jose event for the third year in a row.

CNN: Comeback kid Nadal takes Brazil title

If he retains his title, extending his record to seven overall in the indoor hard-court event, he will match third-placed John McEnroe on the ATP's career title list with 77.

CNN: Champion Federer floors Ferrer to reach semis at ATP finals

But world No. 13 Monfils will play no part in the event, and has also pulled out of next week's event in Memphis -- an indoor hard-court tournament Roddick has won twice in the last three years.

CNN: Monfils pulls out as Roddick battles through in San Jose

Public health experts recommend lightly misting indoor and outdoor hard surfaces before gently sweeping ash.

CNN: Gov. Schwarzenegger vows to 'hunt down' arsonists