Forty Deuce

"Through The Storm We Reach The Shore, You Give It All But I Want More."

This video must be watched.  Feli and Fer are the cutest and most romantic couple in tennis.

Thanks to rafadoc for posting!

Pic This: How Do I Pledge?

Best Frat Ever.

I propose a new Davis Cup/Fed Cup tradition: A Champions Ball.  FUCK YEAH.


The man can wear a suit, that's for sure.

I'm sad he's not carrying his pocket square in his mouth.

JESUS CHRIST, DUDE.

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner

"It ain't over. It still ain't over."


NO NO NO NO NO, Daveed! Pants off!

This video can be summed in the following:

Fernando: Hey, a flag, yay!
Feli: You should wear it like a cape.
Fernando: That's lame.
Feli: Fine, I will.
All: OH NOES CHAMPAGNE!!!

Fuck it. Can they just win everything from now on?

The Bullth of Barthelona Thelebrate

Lock up your women, sons, sheep, and lawns, people of Barcelona. 

The boys have won and they're ready to celebrate.

 

There's so much amazing in this pic I don't know where to begin.  SuperFeli to the rescue!

All I can think when I see these two is this.

 

"Me and You and You and Me, no matter how they toss the dice, it's meant to be."

These two are so this I can't even deal.

Is difficult to stay in the right colm, no?

 

"I love that Davis Cup so much...

...I want to take it out behind the school...

...and get it pregnant."

 

Glad these guys made the final.  Hell of a job, Czechies.

Manual Photoshopping, by Fernando Verdasco.  See?  He gets it.

The Teamiest Team To Ever Team

And so Spain clinches the Davis Cup for the second straight year with a 76(7) 75 62 win over Steps and Tomas. 

It was a compete and clean kill for the Spaniards, as Feli's serve was booming and Fernando's forehand was adjective-similar-to-booming-but-I-can't-use-booming-twice-in-one-sentence.

And now, for the celebration pics:

 

I love this pic.  Primarily because it reminded me of this scene in New Moon (shut up.  I'm going to keep bringing it up until it's out of my system).

 

"Dude!  We sold FOUR Big Macs!"

 

"Really?"

"Yes!"

 

"You smell like french fries.  I'll be your hot mustard."

Photobomb.

 

Trust Fall: You're Doing It Wrong.

 

"Is it raining?  I hadn't noticed."

Seriously, dude, GET OUT OF THE FUCKING WAY AND LET THEM HAVE THEIR MOMENT!

Fer's cute and all, but I cannot stop looking at Feli's amazing receding hairline. 

Like whoa, y'all.

I miss Emilio.

Vamos.

Can't wait for tomorrow's award ceremony.

2-0

DAVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!!!!!!!!

Let's be real, I did *not* think he had it in him.  Hobbling into Davis Cup, playing a streaking Steps, I just...really...didn't think he had a change here.  He was already a shock pick by Costa to play this second rubber, which I chalked up to Costa feeding him to the wolves, assuming the loss, in order to rest Fer for tomorrow and possibly Sunday.  And that's what it looked like after the first two sets, when Daveed was simply outclassed by Steps in the order of a 61 62 drubbing.

 

But Spain would not be denied.  Steps started to play too cute and Daveed picked up his game.  After he was able to take the third set, it really looked like it was going to turn around.  And did it ever.

Daveed would gut out the next three sets, 64 64 86, after 4 hours.  It was awesome.  He needed this win in a major way.

 

 

Save the Cheerleader.  Save the World.

Tough luck for the Czechs.  Sex should have really closed this out.  Doubt they can overcome a 0-2 deficit.  Radek will have to rally to get up for tomorrow's must win doubles rubber.

1-0

Well that was a triumphant return.

Tomas was able to hang with him for about half a set before Rafa pulled out the first set 75.  From there it was all Rafa, as he'd take the next two sets 60 62.

 

Sorry, Tomas.  You're still pretty, though.

I Shit You Not.

So FeVer is going to sport Spain's national team kit for football during Davis Cup.  But that's not the story.  He's also going to be wearing personalized mi Adidas shoes that say "Tabasco" on the heel.

No, really.

Here's a preview of his kit:

Team Edward or Team Jacob? You Gotta Choose.

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)

Welcome To My House

The 2010 Davis Cup draw came out this morning and while everyone is understandably buzzing about the 1st round tie between Spain and Switzerland, I'm way more pumped for the USA vs. Serbia tie.  Why? 

Because it's in Serbia.

If you think about when Nole's career started to take a weird turn, you have to look back at Sarsapalooza 08, when Andy called out Nole for being injury prone, Nole got mad, New York got mad, and as a result, Nole's brain melted.  I swear it was as though Andy somehow lobotomized him.  The guy has been lost ever since.

So excuse me if I look forward to Nole finally playing Andy on pro-Nole territory.  When they can finally have a match where Nole should feel comfortable letting the Falcon out.  Who knows what will happen, but a Nole win would go a long way for his confidence and at least get Andy out of his head.

Because seriously?  Of all the players to have in your head, does it really have to be A-Rod?  Come on.

Also, will 2010 finally be the year when P-Mac gets his head out of his ass and plays Sam instead of Headband and Socks? 

As for the Spain/Switzerland tie in Spain, I don't know why but I'll be surprised to see Roger there.  And I don't mean that as a slight to him.  I just wonder if that early in the season he'll be willing to go from Australian hardcourts, to clay, and back.  Though, I guess if he was willing to play last week's relegation tie, he must want to add the Davis Cup to his NetJet.  What better way to do it than to beat Rafa.

Pic This: With All Disrespect, *This* Must Be Love

I love Spain's celebrations because they run around like a bunch of little boys. 

Well, four little boys and the older girl that wants to bone them.

This is how British men hug.  Fact.

Je'Taime.  Or something.  What the fuck do I know, I was with the geeks and goths in German class.

I can't really explain it, but I just love the Belgian Boys.  They're like a team of blonde hobbits.

Much love to Somdev for singlehandedly saving this tie for India.

Polish guys do it better.  Cuz they have poles.  Or something. 

It took a really long time for me to figure out whether or not some guy attached Massu (plausible) or if Massu was just lying there and reveling in once again being a country hero (plausible, unfortunately).  Still not sure.

Hug it out, you cute Ecuadorian bitches.

Pic This: Ok, That's A New One.

Sword Fighting.

So it'll be those guys...

Versus these guys...

For this guy.

I love this matchup.  At least I did before I realized that the final would be played in Spain, likely on clay court.  So...have fun with that Czechies.  But really nice win over the Croats.  As for Spain, a well-deserved home final after what they pulled off last year in Argentina.

The Voice Of Evil

Hee. The cheer itself is really what cracks me up. Sounds like something my six year old cousin would make up. "I'm #1. I'm the best. Because I'm #1. I'm not #2. #2 eats poo. I'm #1."

Pic This: While I Was Sleeping

Trust me, I'm still recovering, and thanks for all the well wishes.  That was very sweet.  I got a good amount of sleep this weekend, primarily by finding streams of the Switzerland tie.  That was really helpful.  But clearly I ended up in some drug induced daze (or perhaps watching Fed play Davis Cup put me into a uberdeep level of REM sleep that I've never experienced) because I had some crazy wacked out dreams that I can't make heads or tails of.

I found myself mildly attracted to Nicolas "Please put a bag over your face" MasWho.

I vaguely recall something about GB being relegated to Zonal.

I got warm fuzzies as Team Serbia avoided relegation as Nole cheered on. 

I had fits of euphoria as France got all brohuggy to win their tie.

In a fit of...well...I don't know what, FeLo tried to repeatedly rape JCF

He would not be denied.

And then he tried to rub his junk all over Daveed...

And hump Tommy.  The dude's got a lot of love.

And Tomas was zadorable in the Czech Republic's huge win 3-0 win over Croatia.

And then I woke up...

I want my sleepy back.

Pic This: Snausages!

God I love Davis Cup.

No really.

Augh.  Buzzkill.

You're pretty.  

 I am so digging on Tomas' cheddar.  Did he get a haircut?

So looking at this picture is pretty much my own personal hell.

I don't give a shit what you said.

Sausage Ties

This is the stuff dreams are made.   Well, at least C Note dreams.

World Group Semis

Spain vs. Israel

Friday Day 1: 1200 hrs (1000 hrs GMT)
David Ferrer (ESP) v Harel Levy (ISR)
Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) v Dudi Sela (ISR)

Saturday Day 2: 1500 hrs (1300 hrs GMT)
Feliciano Lopez/Tommy Robredo (ESP) v Jonathan Erlich/Andy Ram (ISR)

Sunday Day 3: 1200 hrs (1000 hrs GMT)
David Ferrer (ESP) v Dudi Sela (ISR)
Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) v Harel Levy (ISR)

Croatia vs. Czech Republic

Friday Day 1: 1400 hrs (1200 hrs GMT)
Ivo Karlovic (CRO) v Radek Stepanek (CZE)
Marin Cilic (CRO) v Tomas Berdych (CZE)

Saturday Day 2: 1500 hrs (1300 hrs GMT)
Roko Karanusic/Lovro Zovko (CRO) v Lukas Dlouhy/Jan Hajek (CZE)

Sunday Day 3: 1300 hrs (1100 hrs GMT)
Marin Cilic (CRO) v Radek Stepanek (CZE)
Ivo Karlovic (CRO) v Tomas Berdych (CZE)

World Group Playoff ties after the jump.

Pic This: Puff, Puff, Pass.

I...don't know what's going on here.

Don't Worry, You're Still Screwed, Israel

Rafa withdraws from Davis Cup.  He'll be replaced by JCF.

Sausage Cup Teams

 

(I ran a search for "davis cup" and this came up.  Obviously I couldn't resist.)

Weird to think Davis Cup is only a week away.  Here are the World Group nominations:

CROATIA v CZECH REPUBLIC
Venue: Sportska Dvorana 'Zatika', Porec, Croatia (clay – indoors)

CROATIA
Marin Cilic
Ivo Karlovic
Roko Karanusic
Lovro Zovko
Captain: Goran Prpic

CZECH REPUBLIC
Radek Stepanek
Tomas Berdych
Jan Hernych
Lukas Dlouhy
Captain: Jaroslav Navratil

SPAIN v ISRAEL
Venue: Polaris World la Torre Golf Resort, Murcia (clay – outdoors)

SPAIN
Rafa Nadal
David Ferrer
Tommy Robredo
Feliciano López
Captain: Albert Costa

ISRAEL
Dudi Sela
Harel Levy
Jonathan Erlich
Andy Ram
Captain: Eyal Ran

The Croatia/Czech tie should be really interesting.  Hard to pick one there but I'd have to give the edge to the Czech Republic if Steps and Dlouhy play dubs together.  As for Spain and Israel, Fernando wanted a break and is obviously struggling with injuries so he's out.  Not that they really need him.  Have fun on the clay, Israel.

The lineups for the World Group Playoff ties after the jump.

Please Revoke His Passport

Nice DC write up by Cronin, with some interesting stats about Andy and Blah:

On the other hand, Blake has scored just one live win on clay, over Austria's Stefan Koubek, and only one other singles win away from home in the past eight years. While he's had some spectacular moments playing at home, including during the United States' 2007 title run, Blake has been less than dependable away from the comforts of red, white and blue arenas.

"I think it's a great opportunity for James to slide into the No. 1 singles role," McEnroe said before the tie began. "He's always been the No. 2 guy on this team, with Andy playing the role of No. 1 quite well. But James has a lot of experience, and I think it's a nice change for him to be put in that position."

While that might have been the case at home, Blake did not embrace the change abroad.

...

Perhaps next year, if McEnroe is forced to select a team to play away on clay, he'll try his luck again with Querrey, or young lefthander Wayne Odesnik, who professes a love of dirt and has had some decent results on the surface. Whatever the case, without Roddick in the fold for every tough away tie, the U.S. is going to be a serious underdog.

After the match, Blake admitted that there was a comfort level in playing No. 2 behind Roddick, the de facto team leader with a Davis Cup singles record of 31-11.

"I got a ton of respect for Andy. I really can't see myself having any more respect for him than today," said Blake. "Being in the No. 1 spot, it shows me how hard his job has been for this many years and how outstanding he's really been as a teammate and a leader of this team because he's counted on as the No. 1 to put up two points, and he does it time after time. Davis Cup is always pressure-packed, but being in the No. 2 spot is less pressure-packed than being in that one spot."

So is it fair to assume that there will a bunch of articles written about James calling him out for his pathetic inability to handle pressure situations and perform on big stages?

Nah.  Probably not.

Air Quotes: STFU, James.

“To boo our fans is something I find unacceptable. . . To clap when I miss a first serve and things like that on a pretty consistent basis seems pretty hostile to me.”

-- Blah Blah Cry Baby, on the hostile Davis Cup atmosphere in Croatia.

Two words for you, asshole:

Pic This: BOYS!!!

Feli is really the GOAT of celebratory groping.  It's a gift.


Obligatory.


Bonus!


If anyone knows what Pico's feeling, it's Chucho.  Come back soon, Fatty.


Hulk!Elf.


The Sex.  Recognize.


"Bring me the finest McFlurry in all the land!!!"


I assure you sir, the answers are not up there.


Do you think the Czech team ever thinks "Yeah, that dude has gone too far"?


"Baby you can drive my car.  Yes I'm gonna be a star.  Baby you can drive my car, and maybe I love you." 


Ok, yeah.  I just threw up in my mouth a bit.


Yup.  That's about right.

Davis Cup Day 3: Heroes Rising

That's what Day 3 of Davis Cup is all about: Heroes.  And the great thing about Davis Cup is that these heroes often come from nowhere.  They're journeymen players who experience the biggest wins of their lives on this stage.  And there is something ridiculously awesome about it.

Over in Spain, it was looking like PEHK would be the man of the day.  He fended off a strong comeback from Fernando to notch an 8-6 in the 5th win.  Who knew the German would knock off Nole and Fer on clay in the span of a month and a half.  And if Hero #2 didn't step up in the next match and Germany had taken this tie, I would argue that Techno's win over Fer was the biggest of his career.  But alas.

After the Fer's tough loss Spain had to be feeling a bit of pressure.  Especially with Beck having taken Fer to five challenging sets a couple days earlier.  But in stepped cool as a cucumber JCF, who swashbuckled his way to a fairly businesslike straight set win.  And so Spain advances and Germany goes home.  Sure, it all shook out the way we expected, but the fun is in the process.  Spain will face Israel in their semifinal.

But the thing about heroes is that there's always a goat.  And no, I don't mean GOAT, I mean goat.  And unfortunately for Argentina, that goat was Pico.  Poor guy was unable to notch a singles win during the tie and that's what's why the 2008 finalists are going home.  As for Steps, he was able to fight off some knee pain and help bring this one how for the Czechs, who will have an away tie with...

The Lanktastic Voyage.

This was a hard fought tie for the Croats.  They had that epicly long day on Friday, wherein Ivo and Marin needed 5 sets to take care of Blah and Sockless.  But Marin came out and took care of business in four sets, dumping Blah and sending a very clear message to PMac that JAMES BLAKE IS A HORRIBLE TENNIS PLAYER!!!  It's time for everyone to accept it.  He's clearly in a bad spot.  The fact that Querrey CA was left off this team still chaps me.  Fuckers.

Vodka's On Me.

Once again, Marat couldn't keep it simple.  He couldn't just roll over and let Israel easily take the tie by winning the dubs match.  No.  He had to make it an emotional rollercoaster that ended with him not coming out on top.  Because this is what Marat does.

Ram and Ehrlich were up two sets and serving for the match at 5-4.  Jonny gets broken and Marat and Consumption proceed to take the next two sets and force a fifth, which, of course, Israel would win 64.

Congrats to Israel for making their first World Group semifinal.  As for Russia, maybe it's appropriate that the year Marat retires, they get outclassed by the hungry up and comers.

Drink up!

 

"ZOMG! I Just Sold Our 10 Billionth Happy Meal!"

Needless to say, Spain is up 2-1.

The Return Of The Sex

Stepsy returns and the Czechs go into Sunday with a 2-1 lead.


Coincidence?  Please.

Don't Worry Pico, You're Still Pretty.

It's 1-1 after Day 1.  Elf did his job and Berdy took his match against Pico in five sets.

Is anyone else wondering why Pico is rocking the Falcon?  I sure hope Elfie doesn't come out in any RF gear.

Well Shit, At Least Play Marat If You're Going To Go Down 0-2

You got bageled by Dudi Sela.  Yes, you should hide your head in shame, Misha.

With the Marat sitting on the bench, Russia dropped both their rubbers today (heh) to Israel, who are one win away from making the World Group semis.  Crazy!

The Hotness and Consumption take the court in dubs tomorrow.  Yikes.

It's Never Boring When Techno's Involved

Spain and Germany ended Day 1 locked in a 1-1 draw after their #1s took care of business.  It took Fer 5 SETS to take out Andreas Beck, who just flat our ran out of gas.  How do you lose the next two sets 2 and 1 after you just won a tiebreaker to take a 2-1 lead?

Meanwhile, in a pretty impressive result on clay, PEHK beat Tommy in straight sets. 

Bring on Team Pretty for dubs!

Davis Cup Just Got 200% Less Sexy, Ladies.

Both Marat and Steps have been pulled from their singles ties.  Marat because he sucks, and Sex because of a knee problem.

But don't fret.  If needed, The Sex will step in on Sunday if they need him.

Pic This: Aww...How Cute...

But I hope he knows he's about to get jumped by those two escaped convicts.

Vamos!

 

Man, you become a Davis Cup hero and all of a sudden it's shits and giggles all the time.

At least he got Tommy to smile.  That's nice.

Fernando's the man this week, as he's scheduled to play singles and doubles.  And with the way his teammates have been playing lately, don't be surprised if he does have to suit up on Sunday.  He'll kick things off against Beck tomorrow and possibly play Techno on Sunday.

Costa has benched Feli in singles, opting with Tommy instead.  Probably a good move there.

Tall vs. Douche: Which Do You Choose?

It's just not the same without Mario.  Not the same at all.

Ivo and Blah will kick things off tomorrow.  If you want to see a lot of rallies and baseline intelligence, tune into this one, folks.

Then Sockless and Marin will go at it in the second rubber.  At least this one could be mildly interesting.

Flavor Of The Week

In what is I think the most interesting tie of the weekend, Team Elf will take on Team Sex in Czechoslovakia.

Apparently Team Sex is going to concede the first rubber with Elf and focus on beating Pico.


Should be an interesting one. 

As most DC ties do, this one will turn on the doubles match on Saturday. 

But on to more important Elf updates:


What.Is.THAT???


Dreaming of his one true love in England....


Ok seriously, someone get the guy a Rubik's cube or something.

Pic This: Do You Think The Baby Oil Makes His Hands Slippery?

God.  That skin.  Amaze.

U.S. vs. Croatia: Coin-Flip?

So what do you think?  A Dickless U.S. squad vs. a two-man Croatian squad of Marin and Ivo. 

I give the tip of the cap to Croatia.

Team Hotness...and Some Germans.

Spain, sans Rafa, is at home to take on Team BMW.  Why does Tommy look so weird?  And what, no love for the team, JCF?

Fer's wearing caps now?  DUDE!  Don't fuck with the hair!


Oh, Techno.  Your smuggy looks will always make me giggle.  My heart is yours forever.

Davis Cup: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

 

Team Russia is in Tel Aviv to take on Israel.  They'll do so without Kolya or Dima, who just withdrew.  He'll be replaced by Consumption.

And now, with that piece of business out of the way, I give you obligatory and very necessary pictures of Maratski:

 

KneeWatch 2010

Hey, remember that Nadal guy?  No?  Oh, then don't read this.

Rafa won't be playing Davis Cup due to his knee tendinitis. 

Coach Albert Costa has called up Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo, plus Nicolas Almagro as a standby.

Nadal "is not well and we have to let him rest," Costa told a news conference.

Pic This: Viktor Wants None Of Your Condescension, Spain.

(Thanks for the pic, Sodapop)

Pic This: Davis Cup, Day 3

Oh, Steps.  I wish I knew how to quit you.


The best thing about this pic?  Disco in a hat. 


Congrats to Kiefer and Co. for the win over the Douche Stampy Austrians.  Key to the win?  PEHK's huge come from behind win to beat Melzer yesterday in 5 sets.  Cue music.


Karma's a bitch and possibly Jewish.  Congrats to Israel for pulling out a pretty nice win over Sweden today, to the cheers of...no one.   Levy sealed the tie with a 64 46 64 36 86 win in 3 hours 34 minutes.


Ecuador celebrating a pretty nice win over Canada.  Sorry, Canucks.


You smug little bastard.


Nice come from behind win for Dima today against Hanescu to seal the tie for Russia, 46 57 63 64 62.  I'm still a little bitter about the repurcussions of that win, but I'll get over it.  Maybe.

 
"Quit it!"


Yup.

"Naw man. I'm pretty fuckin' far from okay."

Unfortunately there's no shot of Nole then bending over.  Cuz I'm pretty sure that's what it feels like playing Rafa on clay. 


All credit to him for putting up more of a fight than Janko did yesterday (though, let's face it, that didn't take much), but Rafa took care of business, sealing the rubber with a 64 64 61 straight set win.

 
Spain will play Germany at home in the next round. 

Pic This: DEFINITELY Not Marat.

Teimuraz Gabashvili stepped in for Marat in the dead fifth rubber today. 

Dmitry's win was our collective loss.

An Unfortunate Baptism

It's just a different beast.  Everyone says it but unless you play Davis Cup I guess it's hard to really know what everyone's talking about.


Unfortunately, Gilly had to learn it the hard way this weekend. 


I really hope this doesn't affect him mentally going forward.  We've seen that happen far too many times (bad DC performances carrying forward).  I don't think I've ever seen him so despondent.


Poor, Boo.  Please don't lose before I get down to Indian Wells.

Pic This: Rollin' On Dubs

Cheering!Rafa is bomb.


Tomas is such a chameleon.  Sometimes I think he's cute, sometimes I think he's ugly,
and most of the time I think he creepliy looks like Lucie. 


Totally did a double take here.  Since when is General Sod French?


HOT.


NOT.


FeLo's haircut is not so much on court.  Off court?  Win.  On court?  FAIL.


Argies and champagne!!!  Meh.  Not the same.


I'm gonna say it.  I like the shoes.

 
WHO are you throwing your shirt at?  No one's there.


Team Belgium took their tie 3-0 today.  I just want to put them in my pocket.


No, you, Daveed.  YOU.

Gimme Gimme More, Gimme More, Gimme Gimme More

Marat and Dima teamed up for doubles today and wisely lost in order to guarantee that Marat gets to showcase his hotness one more time tomorrow in a live singles rubber.

So thanks, guys!






Oh, Shamil.  You have the best job ever.

 

Czech, Czech, 1, 2

Oof.  The Frenchies needed this one.  But Reeshie, making his Davis Cup doubles debut, and Michael couldn't get it done, dropping the doubles rubber to Byrd and Steps, 63 16 64 62.

This of course leaves Gilles and Jo with a tough but doable task tomorrow.  Any other tournament you think Gilles can beat Steps and Jo can beat Byrd.  But this is Davis Cup, and Gilles already dropped his first match and is surely now feeling and understanding the pressure of playing Davis Cup.

Me scared.

 

Ethpana!

Yeah, if I were a spectator, I'd be sitting in the aisleways, too.

 

But play did finally kick off in Benidorm with three matches set to be played.  Daveed and Nole the Smurf kicked off the tie and though Nole showed some flashes of his old form, his groundstrokes were all over the place and his serve was wonktastic (hmmm...sounds like another Serb I know).  And he insisted on trying to dropshot Daveed.  Roger's got nothing on Nole in the stubborness department.  Nole put up a nice fight to come back in the third to make it closer, but it was a straight set win for the resurgent Daveed, 63 63 76(3).

 

 Next up, the Return of the King of Clay.  Do I really need to write this up?  The good news for Tipsy?  He held his opening serve to level the match 1-1.  The bad news?  He would go on to lose the next 11.  Final score: 61 60 62.  Watching Rafa on hard courts for 8 months, it's easy to forget how ruthless his game is on clay.  It's just not right.

With Rafa's match being so quick, there was time for doubles.  Nole pulled out and was replaced by Viktor, and the Serbs got the win over a seemingly discombobulated FeLo and Disco.  Disco really does suck at Davis Cup, no?

The win guarantees a Rafa/Nole rubber tomorrow.  Let's see if Nole can get up for that one.

Pic This: Augh. Theory Disproven.

Congrats to the Lanky Ones.  They won to take the tie 3-0.

 
So unless this is a spectacular PS job, Daniel LaRusso and Tuxedo Mask
are not the same person.  Bummer.