Davis Cup Preview

The 2014 Davis Cup is upon and this year the first features several intriguing ties that could be tightly contested and go down to the wire.  In my preview I've also included some notes as to the countries recently promoted or relegated.

World Group

Netherlands at Czech Republic:  Speaking of close ties, this isn't likely to be one of them.  Berdych and Stepanek are at home against a Dutch squad that isn't exactly in form: Haase, Sijsling, de Bakker, and Rojer.  The Czechs march on easily.  CZE 3 NED 0

Canada at Japan:  This was set to be a real dramatic affair but then Raonic and Pospisil both pulled out of singles, though Pospisil will still try doubles.  So it is up Polansky and Dancevic to counter Nishikori and Soeda.  However, if the visitor's can sneak out 1 of the 3 singles rubbers, Nestor should help in the doubles and force a 5th rubber.  There, anything can happen.  I do think Dancevic can beat Soeda but then the Japanese no. 2 will get his revenge over Polanksy.  JPN 3 CAN 2

Spain at Germany:  For some reason, when Spain goes on the road, its best players rarely show up.  So here are Verdasco, Lopez, Bautista-Agut, and Marrero going against some combination of Haas, Kohlschreiber, Mayer, and Brands.  The Germans have been battling injuries and they are at home, but somehow I think Spain escapes here.  For once, they'll have the better doubles team, and their nominations are good hard courters.  ESP 3 GER 1

Australia at France:  With Tomic out, young Kyrgios will see his first Davis Cup action, which doesn't bode well for the Aussies at France.  Hewitt is playing well and brings his best and there very well may be drama but France with Tsonga, Gasquet, and Monfils has too many guns.  FRA 3 AUS 1

Great Britain at United Kingdom:  The USA playing at home on clay?  Seems crazy but probably a good idea.  With Murray showing up I think this tie comes down to the doubles.  The Bryans have lost their last two Davis Cup matches, but I think they'll be up to the challenge here.  There's also on outside chance Isner or Querrey knocks off Murray.  The Brits are also hurt by Ward being their no. 2 rather than Evans, who has been a Davis Cup hero in the past.  USA 3 GBR 2

Italy at Argentina:  Yet another good tie even without Del Potro.  Argentina would be the underdog but they're at home on clay.  Monaco and Berlocq vs Seppi and Fognini.  This is tough to call but I've got to tip the home team and their guys generally show up for Davis Cup.  ARG 3 ITA 2

Belgium at Kazakhstan:  It's always a tough trip to Kazakhstan.  The Kazakhs are tough to beat there and the Belgian no. 1 Goffin has been injured recently.  This seems like an ambush waiting to happen as Kukushkin and Golubev save their best for Davis Cup.  Goffin is supported by Bemelmens and Rochus but I think Kazakhs home court holds true.  KAZ 3 BEL 1

Switzerland at Serbia:  I thought at the beginning of the week this might be a battle of B-teams if Wawrinka pulled out following his Aussie Open bid, but then out of nowhere Federer shows up alongside the new Swiss no. 1.  I feel sorry for Lajovic and Krajinovic.  Does Djokovic?  SUI 3 SRB 0

Of the 16 World Group teams, 12 competed here in 2013.  Netherlands, Great Britain, Japan, and Australia are up from the zones this year.  For Japan it was just a one year absence but the other countries break long droughts.  Australian last competed in the World Group in '07, Great Britain in '08, and the Netherlands in '09.

Europe/Africa Zonal Group I

Poland at Russia (winner vs CRO):  Tursunov and Janowicz are playing for their respective countries, backed by Gabashvili and Przysiezny.  The Poles will have the advantage in the doubles with Fyrstenberg/Matkowski.  Russia generally underperforms in Davis Cup and do not have Youzhny or Davydenko and Janowicz will be motivated after missing the playoff match with an injury.  POL 3 RUS 1

Portugal at Slovenia (winner vs ISR):  The Slovenes are at home so it will be played on hard courts but Kavcic is the only name I recognize.  Sousa (who broke out in Asia last fall), Elias, and Machado should have too much depth.  POR 3 SLO 1

Romania at Ukraine (winner vs SWE):  Ukraine is without Dolgopolov and Stakhovsky, leaving Marchenko and Molchanov to counter Hanescu, Ungur, and Copil, plus Tecau in doubles.  Romania has a good shot in this one, and I think they'll get it done.  ROU 3 UKR 1

Latvia at Slovakia (winner vs AUT):  The one man show of Gulbis versus the deep Slovak team at home.  Check that, Gulbis has pulled out.  Latvia has no chance against Lacko and Klizan.  SVK 3 LAT 0

Croatia, Austria, and Israel were all relegated last year.  It was only one year in the World Group for Israel, but Austria hadn't been relegated since 2010 and Croatia hasn't played in the zone since 2008.  On the other side, Portugal and Latvia were promoted last year.  It was only one year down in Group II for the Portuguese but the Latvians haven't played this high since 2010.

Americas Zonal Group I

Venezuela at Ecuador (winner vs BRA):  Ecuador should be too strong, especially at home

Uruguay at Dominican Republic (winner vs COL):  The Dominicans are a good story, especially their leader Estrella, who reached an ATP quarterfinal last year.  Uruguay generally plays well in Davis Cup, but no P.Cuevas.  Going with the home side.

Brazil was the only relegation last year and they return to the zones after only one year in the World Group.  Venezuela was promoted from Group II last year and their last appearance in Group I was back in 2007.

Asia/Pacific Zonal Group I

China def. New Zealand 3-1 (CHN vs UZB next): This tie was moved up due to the Chinese new year.  Wu won 2 5-setters to lead the Chinese

Taiwan at India (winner vs KOR):  The Indian team is finally back to something resembling full strength with Devvarman and Bhambri in singles and Bopanna in doubles.  So they should be able to beat a Taiwanese team playing (as usual) without Lu and Wang.

There were no relegations from the World Group for Asian teams last year.  New Zealand was the team promoted from Group II last year.  They return after just a one year absence.

Europe/Africa Zonal Group II

Monaco at South Africa:  South Africa rarely puts their best foot forward in Davis Cup these days but de Voest, van der Merwe, and Klaasen should be too much for Balleret and Monaco.

Norway at Lithuania:  Berankis is playing and they're at home so Lithuania should advance.

Bulgaria at Finland:  Dimitrov is not playing but Nieminen is so the Finns should advance.  They were one win from promotion last year.

Greece at Bosnia & Herzegovina:  The Bosnians are a team on the rise with Dzumhur (third round at the AO), Basic, and Setkic.  Greece is just happy to be back in Group II.  Bosnia easily advances.

Ireland at Belarus:  I really haven't the foggiest idea, but Belarus is at home and they Mirnyi in advance, so I'll go with them.

Egypt at Moldova:  Moldova was one win from promotion last year, and Albot and Dubarenco are names I see in slam qualifying.  They should be able to handle Egypt.

Luxembourg at Morocco:  The only one of these ties being played on clay, but Muller is showing up for the visitors.  I'll take Luxembourg.

Cyprus at Denmark:  Baghdatis is not playing for Cyprus, so I imagine Denmark with Nielsen can get through.

South Africa and Denmark were the teams relegated from Group I last year.  The Danes last played in Group II in 2011, but it's been since 2008 that South Africa was this low.  Greece and Norway were promoted from Group III last year.  Norway was last in Group II in 2010 and it was 2011 for Greece.

Americas Zonal Group II

Chile at Barbados:  Chile made the World Group quarterfinals in 2010 and now they are shockingly in Group II and playing at a tiny Caribbean island.  Aguilar and young Garin ought to be able to handle King and Lewis, but the islanders have been a tough out in recent years.  Still saying Chile but as shocking as a Barbados win would be, it wouldn't shock me.

El Salvador at Paraguay:  El Salvador was one win from promotion last year while Paraguay was playing in Group III so I'll go with them.

Peru at Bolivia:  No idea.

Mexico at Guatemala:  You would think a big country like Mexico would have some tennis talent, but they have been getting progressively worse in this competition.  A loss to Guatemala wouldn't shock me at this point.

Chile was relegated from Group I last year, and they haven't been this low since...wait for it...1991.  What would Gonzalez and Massu say?  Bolivia and Paraguay were promoted from Group III last year.  Both countries only spent one year at the lower level.

Asia/Pacific Zonal Group II

Philippines at Sri Lanka:  One would think Philippines with a guy named Huey that plays doubles on the tour, but Sri Lanka has been a tough out and they're at home.  The Filipinos were one win from promotion last year.

Pakistan at Vietnam:  This tie has been moved to the middle of February due to the Chinese new year.

Hong Kong at Thailand:  This tie has also been moved to the middle of February due to the Chinese new year.

Indonesia at Kuwait:  I have to believe that Indonesia is the better team here.

Indonesia was relegated from Group I last year, spending just one year at the higher level.  Hong Kong and Vietnam were promoted from Group III last year.  Hong Kong spent just one year at the lower level but this is the highest the Vietnamese have ever been in Davis Cup.

I salute you if you read to the end, I think the zonal ties are cool, that every nation has an opportunity to compete.  Enjoy the tennis this weekend and I'll be back probably Monday with a wrap up.