The 2013 Davis Cup Final will be contested over this weekend in Belgrade. 2010 champion Serbia, led by world no. 2 Djokovic versus 2012 champion Czech Republic, led by world no. 7 Berdych. Tipsarevic and Stepanek are their wingmen but it looks as if Tipsarevic may not be ready to go as he dealing with a foot injury. This would be a huge blow to the Serbs in my opinion (Troicki is serving a drug suspension) because I think this tie comes down to the 5th rubber, Tipsarevic vs Stepanek. I don't think anyone is going to beat Djokovic and his massive winning streak, and Berdych/Stepanek are almost unbeatable as a doubles team with their only loss coming in the 2009 final against Spain (F.Lopez/Verdasco). However, Bozoljac/Zimonjic did beat the Bryan brothers this spring.
I expect a split of the matches on Friday, with Djokovic defeating Stepanek and Berdych knocking off either Tipsarevic or world no. 117 Dusan Lajovic. If Tipsarevic is able to go, he does have a small chance of beating Berdych, as he leads the head-to-head 5-3 including a 5th rubber win in the '10 Davis Cup semis and a loss in 3 tiebreaks in '12 Davis Cup. If I was the Czech captain, I would consider playing Rosol against Djokovic to save Stepanek for the remainder of the tie. The doubles will be vital but as a mentioned above, the Czechs have such an amazing record it is tough to see them losing, even against a team that beat the Bryans. So if the Czechs lead 2-1 after 2 days, Djokovic should keep the tie live as Berdych has never beaten him on hard courts. If the Serbs happen to get a win from Tipsarevic or the doubles, Djokovic clinches the trophy. But if we see a live 5th rubber, at this point I like Stepanek given the form and possible injury of Tipsarevic. If the Serbian no. 2 was healthy, I would give him the nod since he is a Davis Cup player. His fitness will be a key.
My pick is Tipsarevic won't be at his best, and Stepanek again clinches the Cup for the Czechs. CZE 3 SRB 2
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment