Davis Cup Preview
First round of the Davis Cup is this weekend, less than three months after the United States brought home the title in Portland, Oregon. Here are my picks:
US at Austria - Even on clay, the Austrians are simply overmatched. Jurgen Melzer and Stephan Koubek are solid singles players, and may take one of the four rubbers, but I see Blake, Roddick and the Bryans getting the Americans off to a solid start, and taking the tie 4-1.
France at Romania - Pretty much the same story here as with the US/Austria matchup. Romanian team is more than capable, but Tsonga and Gasquet will be too much to overcome. France in a rout, 5-0.
Spain at Peru - Even without their top guns, a Spanish team comprised of singles players Tommy Robredo and Nicholas Almagro (along with Lopez and Verdasco) should be able to roll over Peru. However, Luis Horna is a dangerous player, and has a good chance to lead himself and Ivan Miranda to a doubles victory. Spain 4-1.
South Korea at Germany - While Hyung Taik-Lee is a very dangerous player, I simply can not see Germany (even without Haas) losing at home. Germany 4-1.
Sweden at Israel - My heart would love to pick Israel here, but my head is telling me they are not quite ready to upset a veteran team like Sweden to win their first World Group match since 1987. Sweden 3-2.
Great Britain at Argentina - Andy Murray pulled out of this tie, thus leaving a potential huge upset on the table. The Argentines have Nalbandian and a few of there lesser players (of course “lesser” for Argentina is still better than most), and if Andy had played I would’ve given GB a fighting chance, but as it stands I like Argentina in a sweep, 5-0.
Belgium at Czech Republic - If this were in Belgium, I’d give Olivier Rochus and company a shot, but not in Ostrava against heavyweights like Berdych & Stepanek. CR 4-1.
Serbia at Russia - This has to be the highlight of the first round. Serbia has Djokovic and Tisparevic (not to mention a very talented doubles player Zimonjic), and will take themselves into the heart of Russia, Moscow, to take on Russia. Comprised of three players in the top 35 (Davydenko, Youzhny & Tursonov) and one of the most talented players out there, Safin, Russia is the favorite, and I’ll be safe and pick them to win 3-2, but do not be surprised to see an upset here. Especially since upsets seem to be the theme of the week in sports- with the Atlanta Hawks beating the LA Lakers last night, and Louisville beating Marquette in Men’s college basketball on Monday…not to mention the BIGGEST one of all- of course I’m talking about Rutgers giving the UConn Women’s team its first loss of the season.
Links:
Brother Jamie not happy with brother Andy.
Joel Drucker’s thoughts on Roddick.
Wertheim mailbag.
Kind of saw it coming given all his shoulder issues, but still is unfortunate.