Tuesday 20 September 2011

Davis Cup Review

World Group Semi-Finals:

Spain 4-1 France

No surprises here, Spain haven't been beaten at home on the red stuff since 1999 when Kuerten and his Brazilian mates defeated Corretja and co in Lleida. Nadal destroyed Gasquet and Tsonga, whilst Ferrer did the same with Simon. Llodra and Tsonga severely beat Verdasco and Lopez to offer a glimmer of a hope but ultimately it wasn't enough as the Armada gained revenge for last year's whitewash in the quarters.

Serbia 2-3 Argentina

The defending champions fall without the help of world number one Djokovic. Novak rested out Friday's singles with Nalbandian and Del Potro making the most of this opening by defeating Troicki and Tipsarevic respectively. Serbia took the doubles but Djokovic retired when trailing by a set and 3-0 to Del Potro in the 4th rubber handing Argentina the tie.

So the final in December will see a classic duel between arguably the two best male tennis nations of this century. Argentina have been on the downhill since the days of Coria, Gaudio, Puerta or Calleri but the recoveries of Del Potro and Nalbandian (on and off injuries still hamper David) offer the South American nation another shot at their first Davis Cup having lost 3 finals, the most recent of which precisely against Spain on home turf in 2008.

Spain on the other hand are still the driving force in male tennis with 14 players in the top 100 including 10 time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal, world number 5 Ferrer and lefties Verdasco and Lopez. The spaniards will be aiming at their 5th title in what is their third final in four years. With the tie being played on clay in Spain, Argentina are going to have to pull something extraordinary out of the bag.

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