Time for the Czechs to cash in the Davis Cup final

While the race to Aus Open is still going strong with a few places to be sorted out. The big tennis event this weekend is the Davis Cup final between the Czech Republic and Spain in Prague.

My views on the Davis Cup as a competition are very clear, but for those who don't know lets say unlike gloryhunter or player fans I believe it's a special competition. Yes, there are plenty of issues with it, more so with its scheduling than with player participation, though many of the top guys are always looking for an excuse to miss something that doesn't benefit them directly. It's an opportunity for global fans to see players they normally wouldn't for example Tomas Berdych playing and winning in Argentina to get them in the semi finals..



Czech Davis Cup Squad

Unfortunately the Czechs didn't choose Ostrava as the venue for the final. That's where they get the best support from plus Berdych, Stepanek and Rosol are Moravian and the Prague crowd is like a museum compared to Ostrava. At the same time it's a lot easier to rip off tourists and visiting corporate sponsors who will have access to most of the tickets in Prague than the tourist hot spot of Ostrava. The expense accounts of the ITF and the Davis Cup sponsors might even reach the amount of zeros comparable to the number of women Tiger Woods has slept with. Can never overlook the business factor in sport.

Davis Cup
Enough of the prelude and onto the important tennis stuff. This is easily the best chance for the Czechs to win the Davis Cup and to get some revenge for the thrashing Spain gave them in 2009 on the clay in Barcelona. Since the ITF have bought in speed regulations in relation to court surface. The Czechs can't lay down a very fast carpet like surface which Belarus perfected during their World Group stay and affectionately known as the ice rink, due to very low bounce and fast pace.

As per usual before a Davis Cup tie there are the shenanigans usually in relation to the court surface. Never in doubt the Spanish are complaining about the speed, then again it's not like the clay courts don't get an extra bath before ties in Spain. It's part of the fun of trying to win ties away from home which makes Davis Cup special and that individuals aren't just playing for themselves.



Berdych

Tomas Berdych came out during the week and said Nico Almagro is the weak link in the Spanish team. Mr. Berdych and Almagro have had their issues in the past, which isn't surprising since both of them are very confident in their abilities and don't toe the PC or cliche lines which is more interesting. The comments aren't exactly incorrect as Almagro isn't at his best indoors and on fast surfaces. While Almagro has an impressive serve and he is a lot fitter these days, he doesn't have the required defensive skills which are highlighted more on faster surfaces as he doesn't get the time he needs.

Berdych's best work when it comes to Spain when he beat Rafa Nadal in Madrid way back in 2006 and was the last time he beat him. The Madrid crowd weren't too sporting and Berdych with the famous shhh gesture at the end of the match. That was some classic heel work as the crowd booed the hell out of him, too bad Berdych didn't do the Hulk Hogan gesture for more booing. After the match Berdych said "all the Spanish know is bullfighting and football". That's how to be a heel.


From 6.46

While Berdych is the big star of the team, it's in fact Radek Stepanek that is the actual leader of the squad. He is the glue that holds them together and the reason once he retires that it will be more difficult for the Czechs to win another Davis Cup. Steps is the man who creates the atmosphere in the squad, quick with the jokes, the fashion plate and he loves the Davis Cup environment.


Smooth Stepanek

Jaro Navratil the man with the best mullet in tennis and Czech captain has played the 2 man team of Berdych/Stepanek in all the live rubbers. Though with Lukas Rosol winning the Blava Challenger on a similar surface to the one used in the DC final it would be a brave man to include him on Day 1 against Ferrer. Stepanek not sure about whether he can last the 3 days at the end of the season, that is the main question. Navratil hasn't made a call like this in his time as captain, though it's about adapting to the particular circumstances.

With Spain they have David Ferrer who has had a brilliant season and tough to beat anywhere, though Berdych, Stepanek/Rosol would fancy their chances on this surface. Almagro's strengths and weaknesses have been taken into account and Feliciano Lopez is the 5th man travelling with the squad.


Almagro


Corretja

Of course with the doubles both sides think they'll have the advantage. Berdych/Stepanek are an excellent combination who've only lost one match in the 2009 final and Granollers/Marc Lopez won the world doubles title. The big question is how Granollers/Lopez will handle the surface, there are rumours about Marc Lopez might be replaced, though we'll find out soon enough.

On Day 1 it's Stepanek vs. Ferrer, then followed by the best of friends Berdych vs. Almagro. Would love to see the Czechs go up 2-0 on Day 1 but anything can happen in Davis Cup.

As for who will win. I'm going for the Czechs either 3-1 or 3-2. Berdych has been talking a big game and time for him to deliver, though it would be great for Stepanek who since he came back to the Davis Cup fold has been outstanding especially in the doubles. The greatest worm of all time will be performed if they get it done. The omen is there for a Czech win, when they won in 1980 they defeated Argentina away from home with Ivan Lendl and he has been there for the training this week.


From 1.00

Lets hope it's a good final and the Czechs are celebrating with the trophy.