Davis Cup

Next week will be the Davis Cup competition so I decided to post something about it as I did with Fed Cup, however I don't know if the teams are finalized.

Argentina Vs. Netherlands
The first matchup I saw was Argentina Vs. Netherlands, I don't think there is a competition to be honest because Argentina will thrash the Netherlands even if they aren't sending their best team. Of course Nalbandian is yet again leading the group but his recent scalps in tournaments have been abysmal. Juan Monaco is playing better lately but I would have thought the team would capitalize on Jose Acasuso's recent good form. Juan Ignacio Chela will definitely be a risk, in my personal opinion Argentina may be cutting this tie a bit too close. The tie may not be as dominant as it could have been but I still think Argentina will win.

Czech Republic Vs. France
France are in it to win it, sending their 4 top players to the draw. They've all had their highs and lows this year so I don't know whether they'll be in form or not. The Czechs boast Radek Stepanek who has seen great form lately but I'm not sure Stepanek would be enough to halt the enslaught of top French players.

USA Vs. Switzerland
Switzerland aren't really going for the win are they, if they were attempting to beat the US they would have included Roger Federer - I can't see why Federer wouldn't play as he hasn't been active lately. Personally the USA have somewhat of their dream team with Andy Roddick and James Blake holding the singles fort and the Bryan Brothers capitalizing in the doubles, they'll definitely be a tough challenge for any country (unlike their female counterparts!) Definitely a USA win I'd say.

Croatia Vs. Chile
This draw could be tough. Marin Cilic will be leading a team who has seen success in recent years whilst veteran Fernando Gonzalez will be aiming to topple over the Croatians. However I think Croatia have the added benefit of having Mario Ancic and Ivo Karlovic (even though he hasn't been doing well of late). Both teams have a blindingly obvious weak spot as each team have a player who is out of the Top 100. On Croatia's side is Karanusic who isn't particularly strong in doubles or singles whilst Chile have an even bigger fault; Guillermo Hormazabal who hasn't won a single match on the ATP tour.

Sweden Vs. Israel
Ok Sweden looks massively weaker without either Thomas Johansson or Jonas Bjorkman, Israel have got it good! They are so desperate they've taken on board Robert Lindstedt and Simon Aspelin who I believe have both retired from the pro tour, if they could have added Robin Soderling to the team maybe they would have an edge. Israel definitely look stronger as they at least have a Top 100 player in their team as well as a top doubles player also. Overall a weak showing by Sweden.

Romania Vs. Russia
Romania have there best team out whilst Russia have sent somewhat of a veteran group of players. However I am a hyper fan of Marat Safin, Dmitry Tursunov and Mikhail Youzhny so on that side it's a good team but neither Marat Safin nor Dmitry Tursunov have had good starts this year whilst Mikhail Youzhny has done Ok. However Russia has had a great Davis Cup in recent years and the players definitely have the match experience to take Russia far.

Germany Vs. Austria
This draw looks tough, Germany may have the edge on the singles but the doubles may lean slightly towards Austria, however I think Germany should be the eventual winners here as they have undoubtedly one of the more equal and well experienced sides here with 3 players in the top 100.

Spain Vs. Serbia
When I first saw this draw I was totally shocked, this type of match shouldn't be in the first round as both teams deserve to get to the Quaterfinal stages. However Spain is most likely going to win here, not only do they have the title from last year but also a well experienced team consisting of Nadal, Ferrer, Robredo and Lopez. The Serbians boast Novak Djokovic, Victor Troicki, Janko Tipsaveric and Nenad Zimonjic - a dangerous team both in singles and doubles. However once we see what colour the court is we'll understand! Yep it's clay, Serbia you're going for a tough ride here!

So I'm expecting to see this quaterfinal line up...
Argentina Vs. France (If it does come down to this it would be an interesting match)
USA Vs. Croatia (Yep another two seeded teams)
Israel Vs. Russia (I'm going to go for a shock between Israel and Sweden!)
Germany Vs. Spain (I've gambled with Germany but personally it should be Serbia!)