Netherlands at Argentina – Argentina is missing Nalbandian and del Potro, but still should have no trouble against an inexperienced Netherlands team featuring up and comer Theimo de Bakker.  4-1 Argentina.

France at Czech Republic – This is the best first round match up.  France is deeper – with Tsonga, Simon, Monfils and Gasquet (all but Gasquet are in the top 10); but the Czech team has two guys – Berdych and Stepanek that can win both their singles matches, not to mention a very experienced doubles team.  In addition they have home court advantage – I’m going with the Czechs in a minor upset – 3-2.

Switzerland at United States – One month ago, the U.S. team was in danger of being relegated to having to qualify for 2010 (first round losers are forced too), but that was before Federer pulled out.  While Wawrinka is capable of upsetting both Roddick and Blake, I can’t see how the Swiss can win any other match.  U.S. 4 -1.

Chile at Croatia – While I’m rooting for Chile so I can go watch the United States play them in the second round and get some Southern Hemisphere skiing in, big servers Cilic, Ancic and Karlovic will prove to much on their home court over a Chilean team missing stalwart Fernando Gonzalez.  Croatia 4-1.

Israel at Sweden – If a Davis Cup Tie is played, and no one watches, did it really happen? Played under extremely high security measures that are allowing no one to view, I’m picking Israel to advance to the second round in lord knows how long with a minor upset over a depleted Sweden team.  Israel 3-2.

Russia at Romania – Victor Hanescu is a talented player capable of an upset, but the Russian team is way to strong for any kind of major story here.  Russia 4-1.

Austria at Germany – At this point, Jurgen Meltzer of Austria is probably the best player in this Tie.  Kiefer is way past his prime, and Tommy Haas is missing.  So Meltzer, along with talented doubles players like Julian Knowle, will score an upset of Germany 3-2.

Serbia at Spain – Obviously this is a very intriguing tie, pitting Nadal against Djokovic.  If this were on hard court, I’d give the Serbs more of a chance.  But I just don’t see how they can overcome Nadal and company on clay, in Spain.  Spain wins, 3-2.

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