Davis Cup looks set for a Spanish finale
September 16th 2008 22:14
Davis Cup Tennis is always full of emotion and guarantees a terrific spectacle for all. It is no doubt then that it is the World Cup of Tennis and it is a tournament that players of the highest order aspire to win.
As we approach the semi-finals of this years Davis Cup, Argentina, Russia, Spain and the USA all have supreme chances in obtaining glory for their respective nations.
But if we were to magnify the chances more closely, it seems Argentina and Spain, with home ground advantage, have the best opportunity to progress to the final.
Indeed Spain are heavy favourites against the USA.
The Spaniards boost two of the best singles players in world tennis with Rafael Nadal spearheading the formidable Spain team.
It's no bad then to have a very able backup with David Ferrer also in the Spanish line-up.
When the two teams play in the Plaza de Toros in Madrid, the USA will be underdogs no doubt, but their history in this competition suggests they will still be very difficult to defeat.
Andy Roddick will lead the Americans into battle with Sam Querrey the other singles man. The loss of James Blake will no doubt hurt the American nations cause for another Davis cup trophy.
The USA though still boost arguably the most dominant doubles pairing in world tennis with Bob and Mike Bryan still at the helm in Davis cup competition.
The Bryan brothers have form as well, winning the US Open this year - their maiden Grand Slam title in 2008.
But one still feels this has a Spanish victory written all over it.
Nadal should beat Roddick and Ferrer should no doubt beat Querrey. Cold-blooded, yes, but on form, these two players should provide the foundations for Spain to qualify for the final.
Awaiting the winner of the Spain-USA tie will be either Argentina or Russia.
This tie, which will be played in Buenos Aires, offers the opportunity for Argentina to take revenge after losing the final of the Davis Cup in 2006 against the Russians.
In that decider, Nalbandian was the strongest player from both teams, accounting for both Davydenko and Safin.
Unfortunately though, Nalbandian’s backups have not been up to his standard of play in recent seasons.
Until now.
In Nalbandian's side stands a 19 year old Argentine prodigy by the name of Juan Martin Del Potro.
He was the first player ever to win his first four career titles in succession. He also made the quarterfinals of the US Open, losing a thriller to eventual finalist Andy Murray.
Although Nalbandian is still higher up in the rankings, Del Potro has taken over the mantle as Argentina's best player.
The current no.13 is in terrific form and no doubt represents the future of Argentine Tennis.
Awaiting Del Potro and his Argentine team-mates are the Russians, who will count with the consistent Davydenko and Tursonov.
Davydenko is never an easy challenge and will be primed against a Buenos Aires crowd that will let him no he is in Argentina.
Just ask the Australians.
Tursonov is another consistent tennis player, but he will have his work cut out trying beat an Argentine side desperate for that elusive Davis Cup triumph.
In a tight contest, it seems Argentina are in the box seat to make the final along with Spain.
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