Davis Cup - The Likely Lineup
April 1, 2002
Neither the United States or Spain has to reveal its lineup until Thursday's draw ceremony at Westside Tennis Club, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to speculate accurately about the American lineup. Barring injury or illness, it's likely that Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick will play singles on Friday, and Todd Martin and James Blake will team up for doubles on Saturday.
"Practice could affect things a little, but I have a fairly decent idea what I'm going to do," U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe said. "The great thing about this team is they all can do anything."
Spain's tri-captains have some tougher decisions. Alex Corretja should go in singles due to his experience, and 19-year-old Tommy Robredo is the lone team member with a winning record on grass (4-2). But Juan Balcells is the only option who serves and volleys well. That may carry some weight, considering the grass.
In doubles, Corretja and Balcells are 6-2 in Davis Cup play, but Corretja and Alberto Martin advanced to the semifinals of the Nasdaq-100 Open, including a win over the talented duo of Jonas Bjorkman and Todd Woodbridge.
Grass update
After Sunday's practice, the Americans felt Westside's grass courts were
a bit slow. Heeding the call, the grounds crew cut and rolled the courts
before Monday's practice and the players could tell the difference.
"The grass was a little bit long and a little wet (on Sunday), but the more play we get on there, it will roughen it up and make it a little easier to move," Pete Sampras said. "The grass over in England is obviously the best grass in the world, but I know they've put a good effort into the grass here, and I think by Friday the courts will be playing really well."
Staying put
Although his Davis Cup teammate from Oklahoma City, Mardy Fish, is playing
at the River Oaks International along with other young Americans like Taylor
Dent and Michael Russell, Andy Roddick isn't planning on watching them play.
"It's doubtful," Roddick said. "We have a full schedule here, plus pretty much the last thing I want to do after being on the court all day is go out and watch some matches. Maybe they can come over here and hang out."
Paying his dues
James Blake has enjoyed two days of practice on Westside's grass courts
but walked off the court on Monday short $100 after losing a bet -- and
two of three tiebreakers -- to Pete Sampras.
"It was a stupid bet," said Blake, sounding a warning to Spain.
"Don't bet against Pete on grass."
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