Kazakhstan vs. Spain
Almagro, Ferrero, Granollers, and (Marc) Lopez: The question is, is this Spain’s B team, or its C team? Either way, it includes three guys in the Top 50, who will go up against a Kazakh squad whose top-ranked player, Mikhail Kukushkin, is No. 61. Also, it’s on red clay. Spain, which won the whole thing a scant two months ago, should win again here, but the bigger question may be: How do they keep selling tickets for these things? Winner: Spain
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Russia vs. Austria
Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev has made some strange moves, but this has to rank with the oddest. He's sending out Kunitsyn and Bogomolov in singles, and holding back Youzhny, who just won a tournament, and Davydenko for the dubs. Whatever the reasoning, it’s nice to see the Russian Bogie get his long-desired DC shot. Winner: Russia
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France vs. Canada
The French are bringing their big guns—Tsonga, Monfils, and dubs specialist Llodra—to Vancouver, and for good reason. With Milos Raonic, a second promising 21-year-old in Vasek Pospisil, and their own doubles specialist, Daniel Nestor, on an indoor hard court in Vancouver, Canada has a shot at its biggest DC win ever. Winner: France
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United States vs. Switzerland
There’s no Nole, Rafa, or Muzz this weekend, but we do have a rare recent World Group appearance from the Fed. That’s an intimidating fact for the U.S., but maybe they can take some heart in his words today. Federer says his team will, “hopefully try to win, but if we don’t it doesn’t matter. It’s about trying your best and having a good time.”
This carefree Federer will lead the Swiss against John Isner on Friday, while Stan Wawrinka takes on Mardy Fish. If one of those matches breaks the Americans' way, it will get interesting. But beyond the players, the biggest factor may be the surface: Red clay, indoors, in Europe. That’s always a tough proposition for the Yanks, even when they’re not facing the greatest player ever. Winner: Switzerland
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Italy vs. Czech Republic
Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek tee it up once again for their country; they’ve had their share of DC adventures over the years. Rankings-wise, they look to be in good shape against the Italians. Berdych and Stepanek are No. 7 and 30, respectively, while Italian singles players Andreas Seppi and Simone Bolelli are 42 and 135. It’s on a hard court in Ostrava, too. Winner: Czech Republic
!Kn
Sweden vs. Serbia
No Djoker this time, but the Serbs seem safe without him at home on a hard court in Nis. On Friday they’ll send out Janko Tipsarevic, ranked No. 9 in the world, to face Sweden’s Filip Prpic, whose current ranking is No. 1426=. Apparently he’s only tied for 1426. Then Victor Troicki with take on Michael Ryderstedt in an only slightly-less-lopsided-on-paper second singles match. Winner: Serbia
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Croatia vs. Japan
You know about Kei Nishikori, but Japan has a second player in the Top 90, named Go Soeda. He’ll open against No. 55 Ivan Dodig in a tough tie to call. The outcome will likely rest on the high, high shoulders of Ivo Karlovic, who is set to play Nishikori on Friday, and in the must-win doubles the following afternoon. The Croats could be in trouble if he has to close it out on Sunday in a decisive fifth rubber against Soeda. Winner: Japan
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Argentina vs. Germany
You think it’s tough for Spain to get up for another tie two months after playing an emotional final? Try walking a mile in the Argie’s shoes. After falling short to the Spanish in December, they’ll begin their umpteenth campaign for their country’s sporting Holy Grail in Germany tomorrow. They shouldn’t mind seeing the surface, though; the Germans have chosen red clay. All of the singles players—Monaco, Nalbandian, Petzschner, Mayer—are adept on hard and dirt. On paper, Petzschner looks like the weak link in singles, but he and Tommy Haas might be able to make it up if they play, as they’re scheduled to play, Chela and Schwank in the doubles.
It should be interesting. I doubt I’ll have a chance to see a point of it, but it should be interesting. Winner: Argentina
