Davis Cup quarter chances look good for host countries

A deep American Davis Cup team looked like a formidable threat to upend host Australia in Brisbane. Then their top player Jack Sock was dismissed in the opener by Jordan Thompson. It was particularly baffling after the American had just gone deep in both Indian Wells and Miami.

It gave Australia's leading star Nick Kyrgios the cushion he needed to load up and outserve John Isner for a 2-0 Aussie lead.

The American now face the Herculean task of winning three consecutive rubbers. It can be done, as the Americans learned last July when they lost to Croatia.

The other marquee tie features Spain vs. Serbia. The world will be closely tracking No. 2-ranked Novak Djokovic’s return to tennis after missing Miami an elbow injury.

Will Djokovic be rusty? Can he regain the form that saw him hold all four major titles after conquering Roland Garros last June? If he reigns against Spain, it could get him rolling for the clay-court season.

One undercard tie might provide greater competitive fireworks. The French will not have star veterans Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon or Richard Gasquet. Meanwhile, Great Britain will play without injured world No. 1 Andy Murray. That means more pressure will rest heavy on young stars in France’s Lucas Pouille and Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund.

A couple days ago, Italy vs. Belgium might have been a thriller, but David Goffin and Steve Darcis are seasoned Davis Cup heroes who should sweep through an Italian squad that's missing an injured Fabio Fognini.

It looks good for the host countries. That means Australia, Serbia, France and Belgium should move on to the semifinals.