When I was 14…
In the Autumn of 1995 I was 14 years old, and two tremendous things happened in the world of sports – 1. the Boston Red Sox won their last AL East Division title and 2. the USA won the Davis Cup. Now, twelve long years later, both could happen again. Baseball is not the point of this blog, so I won’t delve into that subject, but a three game lead with four left to play should result in the Yankees finally relinquishing the AL East crown. The other matter could be a little more complicated, and will be decided the first weekend of December at the Memorial Coliseum in Porland, Oregon.
The first Davis Cup Final to be held on U.S. soil in fifteen years (the US defeated Switzerland 3-1 in Texas) will pit the USA against Russia. The two teams have met three times since the USSR disbanded, with the US holding a 2-1 edge. The most recent meeting occurred last year in the World Group Semis, which saw the US defeated 3-2. The tie was highlighted by Tursonov’s clinching victory over Andy Roddick, 17-15 in the fifth set. The teams this year could very well contain the same players as when they met last year, with one exception. The Russian team was comprised of Davydenko, Youhzny, Tursonov and Safin; the US had their typical Blake, Roddick, and the Bryan brothers. Igor Andreev was a star for Russia against Germany last weekend, and will probably be on the team instead of Safin, who is hiking in the Himalayas, or something. However, he is more of a clay courter, and something tells me Captain McEnroe will be staying away from the dirt.
More than likely, he will pick a fast hardcourt, clearly the favorite surface of both Blake and Roddick, the singles stars. I know what most people are thinking regarding Blake, because I heard many American fans muttering about him last weekend in Gothenburg. After a dissappointing loss to Thomas Johansson, there were more than a few people who think Blake should be replaced by someone like Mardy Fish or even John Isner for the final. That should not, and will not happen. People seem to have a short term memory when it comes to Blake, as it was his upset in the first rubber against Tommy Robredo (in straight sets no less) that set the tone for the US victory over Spain last spring. Without that first win in hand, the outcome could have been a different one.
No matter what the teams end up being, there is no doubt that the USA has an incredible chance to gain some revenge for last year’s defeat and capture their first Davis Cup title since 1995. And if they should lose, next February’s tie against Austria in the 2008 World Group isn’t far away! (Disclaimer: if indeed the Red Sox do choke away the AL East title, and make me ‘wait til next year,’ cherish this blog because it will be my last).
Some Links:
Bangkok takes another hit.
10 Questions from Tennis.com, many Davis Cup related.
Is Barry Bonds Hall Worthy? Probably the most discussed sports issue, coming a close second is this.
ESPN.com doesn’t seem to be working too well right now, but when it is go and read some of Bonnie Ford’s stuff on there. She was in Gothenburg so I’m sure she has some good stuff to sift through. EDIT – Here is a link
September 27th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I think it’s only fair to note that Blake also didn’t play well on Friday since he had the stomach bug that made rounds with the whole team. Roddick had it Thursday and Blake on Friday. The Bryans had it as well. Blake was hit the hardest as everyone else recovered in about 24 hours and it took James still looked green on Saturday.
October 18th, 2007 at 5:48 am
Hi there…Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts..what a nice Thursday