LONDON -- The Davis Cup final between Australia and France will be played on a portable grass court installed at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Thursday.

The ITF approved a request made by Tennis Australia to import the turf into the 15,000-seater venue at Melbourne Park for the Nov. 30-Dec. 2 final.

A Rebound Ace hard court is usually in operation at the Rod Laver Arena, home to the Australian Open every January.

"The ITF Davis Cup committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of approving the request," said ITF chairman Juan Margets in a statement.

"We are comfortable that the technology being used will produce a top qualify grass court.

"There is also a great tradition in Australia of playing on grass."

Australia's semifinal victory over Sweden last month secured them their first home final in 15 years.

They beat France in the 1999 final to win the Davis Cup for the 27th time but lost last year's final to Spain in Barcelona.

It will be France's 14th appearance in the final. They have won the trophy eight times.