Well this, like the Grand Slams and a slew of other times during the year is a bit of a different week for my blog. Those of you who may be VERY interested in this (as it’s extremely exciting) can head to www.daviscup.org and find out ALL about it.
OR sit back and relax and I’ll run over the initial matchups and some interesting points about it without leaving this fantastic website!
World Group 2009 – 1st round
United States vs. Switzerland – Federer @ USA
An almost certain loss for the US has been averted by Federer electing not to play due to his back injury. The fans lose out on this one in Alabama, but the entire USA team wins… and probably with ease. (though Stanislas is no slouch!)
Argentina vs. Netherlands @ Argentina
This is a slam dunk for Argentina, if they lose this I’ll stand on my head for the rest of this broadcast. (hopefully some of you remember that move by McEnroe…)
Czech Republic vs. France @ Czech Republic
A fairly heavy favorite goes to France on a talent level, however on a very tough Czech team you have Stepanek who has just recently gotten to the finals and won an ATP event. As long as Gasquet doesn’t play for France, they should win… and Gasquet just pulled out of his last event so I’d imagine he’ll sit.
Croatia vs. Chile @ Croatia
On INDOOR hard courts in Croatia (good choice btw) I have to take the massive serves of Cilic, Karlovic and Ancic to pull this one out. Personally I’d have Ancic as my #2 man as the Dr. (Ivo) is too risky. On a clay court, this match swings entirely the other way, but I’d certainly be impressed if Chile could pull this off.
Sweden vs. Israel @ Sweden
Ill bet on Israel in Dudi Sela, but this will be tight.
Romania vs. Russia @ Romania
I’ve got to pick Russia with talent in Safin, Tursunov, and Youshny… but don’t underestimate the instability of Marat, and the play of big serving Hanescu. That being said, it’d be a big BIG upset for Romania to pull this out!
Germany Vs. Austria @ Germany
Tough one here… though I’ll go Germany in a battle.
Spain vs. Serbia @ Spain
Obviously played on red clay here we have a BATTLE. Nadal has elected not to play which tips the favor to Novak and team Serbia… But i simply can’t count Ferrer and Robredo out. Robredo has won 2 ATP’s in the last month and is absolutely on fire… and Ferrer on Red clay is scary for any man. Team Spain is hoping and praying its the hottest day of the year. I give the edge to Spain, even without Nadal. (btw Spain, Verdasco might be a decent addition to your team)
Other Interesting Matchup
India vs. Chinese Taipei @ Chinese Taipei
Up and commer Somdev Devvarman, the two time NCAA National Champion from Virginia, leads the Indian team into Kaohsiung. The famous doubles team of Paes and Bhupathi have put their differences aside (for the past year or two) and have decided to put their country first and play doubles together again, which means almost a SURE point for India.
Chinese Taipei has Lu who is currently ranked #59 and Chen at #374.
DevVarman of India is currently ranked #150 and Bopanna #324. Look for DevVarman to win this match for India.
One last interesting fact is that DevVarman’s teammate last year at Virginia Sanam Singh has been named to the Indian Davis Cup Team for the first time and will most likely be a backup singles player.
Good luck India, and GO HOOS!
