I honestly don't know who I'm rooting for here but I think it's Spain, if for no other reason than that I want Rafa to end his season on a high note. Speaking of high notes...what's up with Feli's hair? Or Fer's for that matter.
That said, I'd be totally super duper happy for the Czechs if they win.
Spain comes into Davis Cup severely hobbled, both emotionally and physically. We all know Rafa's struggling, but Fernando also expended a crapload of energy at in London, and he's now injured. So much so that Costa has swapped in Daveed for singles, who we last saw withdraw from a match due to a hamstring injury. That's...disconcerting, though Costa has indicated that Fer might be tapped to play Sunday if needed. And have I mentioned Feli's hair?
The Czechs on the other hand come in very relaxed and high in confidence. Well, at least Steps is feeling confident. He had a great run to end the regular season. As for Tomas, you never know what you're going to get with him but I have to think he's going to be pretty relaxed here, which is worrisome if you're on Team Spain. If this tie were played in the Czech Republic, I'd be more worried for Tomas. But playing away in Spain? Something tells me the Czechs totally buy into the underdog mentality here.
As per usual in Davis Cup, doubles will be the key here. Rafa can't do this all himself. Despite the fact that Dlouhy/Hajek were officially tapped for the Czechs, unless they find themselves up 2-0 after the first day, expect Tomas and Steps to play dubs against Fer/Feli. I expect it'll be 1-1 after Friday, so whoever wins dubs will clearly be in the driving seat.
All this is to say, this is going to be a VERY interesting tie. I am REALLY worried for Spain.
Friday 4 December – Play starts at 1600 (1500 GMT)
Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Tomas Berdych (CZE)
David Ferrer (ESP) v Radek Stepanek (CZE)
Saturday 5 December – Play starts at 1600 (1500 GMT)
Feliciano Lopez / Fernando Verdasco (ESP) v Lukas Dlouhy / Jan Hajek (CZE)
Sunday 6 December – Play starts at 1200 (1100 GMT)
Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Radek Stepanek (CZE)
David Ferrer (ESP) v Tomas Berdych (CZE)
