"We'll Take It"
Whew, everyone can let out their collective breaths now, the
United States will not be demoted to the dreaded zonal qualifying
for Davis Cup. This past weekend's victory over Belgium assured
us of staying in the World Group for next year. But it wasn't
easy. Playing in Belgium on red clay did not instill confidence
in even the ardest of supporters. The doubles was pretty much
a lock for the U.S.. The Bryan brothers are former French Open
champs and the world's top ranked doubles team. No matter who
the Belgians threw out they weren't going to beat the boys. The
singles was a whole different ball game. Andy Roddick should
be commended for his steadfast devotion to Davis Cup. He has
answered
the call for captain Patrick McEnroe on every occasion. Of course,
red clay is not exactly his strongest surface. Still, on the
opening day's singles's matches he played one of his better clay
court matches to dominate Christophe Rochus to even the tie at
one apiece after James Blake had been beaten by Olivier Rochus.
This is what makes Davis Cup so great, two brothers (Olivier
and Christophe Rochus) basically being the entire team for their
country. Things would have been a little tougher for the U.S.
had Xavier Malisse been on the Belgian squad (he was not due
to a dispute with captain Steven Martens). This would have allowed
Olivier Rochus to play singles only instead of having to play
doubles also. Which brings us to the match between Roddick and
Olivier Rochus. You have to hand it to Rochus, at five foot five
he's going to be outgunned by almost everyone he plays but he
is fun to watch. He was even at two sets apiece with Roddick
when he was victimized by one of the worst calls in recent memory.
Down break point Rochus seemingly put away a sitter overhead.
As he was going back to serve the lineswoman alerted the chair
umpire to the fact that she had called the ball wide. Replays
showed the ball clearly inside the line. For whatever reason
the umpire did not leave his chair to inspect the mark even though
he had done so at numerous times during the match. The call stood,
Roddick had the break and eventually served out the match to
secure the tie for the U.S.. Even though it was a cheap way to
get the break, we'll take it. It was worth it to wipe the smirk
off the face of their Captain Martens.
Congratulations to Croatia and Slovakia for reaching their
first Davis Cup finals.
As always, good luck in your matches.
Jerry
Comments on my comments?
email them to me:
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Tennis Factoid
I believe I told you that the
Bryan boys would come through and
win the U.S. open doubles, didn't
I?
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Good luck in your matches.
Always remember, the opinions expressed are solely my own and should not reflect upon my wife, children, or favorite wrestling organization.
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