On Sunday, Milos Raonic, Frank Dancevic, Daniel Nestor and Vasek Pospisil made history becoming the first Canadians to advance to the quarter finals of the Davis Cup. Milos earned a straight sets victory over Guillermo Garcia Lopez of number one ranked Spain. Admittedly, Canada caught a break with Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Nicholas Almagro not representing their country this year, however it is still a major accomplishment, which not only advances Canada to the next round but guarantees them a berth in next year’s World Group. This is important because of the long gruelling process of qualifying given that so many nations, nearly as many as soccer, field a tennis squad for the tournament.
For those unfamiliar with the structure of the Davis Cup, the World Group is made up of the top 16 nations in the world (the 8 quarter finalists and 8 qualifying nations from the previous year). The nations then play in a head-to-head four round tournament with matches in February, April, September and November. A nation advances by defeating their opponent in a best of five series of matches (four singles matches and one doubles match).
Canada’s 3-2 victory over Spain sets up a second round contest with Italy, who defeated Croatia. The Italians are lead by Andreas Seppi and Fabio Fognini – Seppi is a top 20 player and Fognini is top 50 in the ATP rankings. Provided the teams stay as they are without injury, Canada has a good shot at moving on given that Milos should be able to get two wins on his own. Another advantage for Canada is that they will play on home soil with a friendly surface (hard court).
Argentina will play France in the second round. The Argentines destroyed Germany 5-0 on the backs of number 12 Juan Monaco along with Carlos Berlocq and wily veteran David Nalbandian. The addition of top ten giant Juan Martin Del Potro will make Argentina even scarier going forward. The French, however, also shutout their first round opponent (Israel) and field likely the deepest team in the world. Jo Wilfred Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra did not lose a single set in the their round of 16 contest, and the possible additions of Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon or Jeremy Chardy make France a “dream team” of Tennis. Even with Del Potro, Argentina will likely fall to the French.
The defending champions, the Czech Republic, draw Kazakhstan in the quarter finals. The Czechs beat the Swiss in the first round who were without Roger Federer and were basically a one man team of Stan Wawrinka. The champs field a very complete team with Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek along with doubles specialist Lukas Dlouhy. Mikhail Kukushkin is the only Kazakh in the top 100, so even if Berdych is not healthy the Czechs should handle the former Soviet Republic, who advanced over another one man team (Jurgen Melzer) in Austria.
What would an international sporting tournament be without the United States? The menacing John Isner is joined by Sam Querrey and the world’s best doubles team, The Bryan Brothers. Brazil took the United States to the last rubber match where Sam Querrey triumphed over the outmatched Thiago Alves. Unfortunately, Thomaz Bellucci could not play every match for the Brazilians and they were defeated 3-2. The States are always a favorite to claim the tournament but they will likely not be able to call on Andy Roddick, who is planning his retirement this year.
Normally I would pick the Americans especially considering they will play at home, however, the US is lucky enough to match up with Serbia in the second round. The best player in the world will likely win every match he plays and that could likely put two wins in the bank. However, even if Novak Djokovic is not in top form, his good friend Viktor Troicki will give Isner or Querrey a lot of trouble as well. A win is not guaranteed for the Bryan brothers either as Nenad Zimonjic brings three grand slam doubles titles to the table and he will likely team up with Troicki. If Djokovic plays the Serbs should cruise into the semis. Without him, despite Troicki and Zimonjic’s best efforts, the US should advance.
As always, it should be a great year for the Davis Cup, I am expecting a Serbia/France final at the end of the year, however I am really hoping for Canada and the US to play in the semis as it is always emotional and exciting when we play our neighbours to the south. After all, who could not enjoy an Isner/Raonic serving clinic for national pride?
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