Who Will Win the 2006 Davis Cup?

For the long range forecasters, who will win the 2006 Davis Cup, only the most patriotic at the start of 2005 would have expected a Croatia vs Slovakia final, but good fortune to both of them.

Croatia :rolls: 1st round will be played on Clay probly so i dont know.

Chile, have a home tie against Slovakia. Hrbaty has handled the crowds in Buenos Aires and in Brazil and managed to win there, though Santiago will be fun and I doubt whether Beck and the doubles will overcome the Chileans. All hinging on whether Massu and Gonzo are fit, this two man team wil be tough to beat, the Americans if they get through round 1 are going to have to find a grasscourt or an ice rink.

Argentina should win a Davis Cup soon, though one can never tell.

Draw is like this, the home team is listed first.

Austria vs Croatia (s)
Argentina (s) vs Sweden
Belarus * vs Spain (s)
Switzerland vs Australia (s)

Germany vs France (s)
Netherlands vs Russia (s)
USA (s) vs Romania
Chile (c) vs Slovak Republic (s)

First round losers compete in Play-off ties with Zonal Group I Qualifiers
Key
Seeded (s)
Choice of Ground (c)
Choice of ground decided by lot *

Croatia :rolls: 1st round will be played on Clay probly so i dont know.

You don't fancy one of your guys to beat Melzer on clay?

Spain of course!!!

France won it in 1991, 1996, 2001 so it's time fot them to win it again. :p

if croatia passes the first round...then we'll win the whole thing :p

Chile! :yeah:

sverige!

Chile, have a home tie against Slovakia. Hrbaty has handled the crowds in Buenos Aires and in Brazil and managed to win there, though Santiago will be fun and I doubt whether Beck and the doubles will overcome the Chileans. All hinging on whether Massu and Gonzo are fit, this two man team wil be tough to beat, the Americans if they get through round 1 are going to have to find a grasscourt or an ice rink.

GWH, the tie will not be playing in Santiago. Because Nico and Feña prefers to play at sea level. So the tie is already in discussion for to play in Viña del Mar or La Serena (another coastal city)

GWH, the tie will not be playing in Santiago. Because Nico and Feña prefers to play at sea level. So the tie is already in discussion for to play in Viña del Mar or La Serena (another coastal city)

The Chileans will make into a football like atmosphere and thanks for that information about the location.

I voted for USA, we haven't won in ages and I hope we play Spain because it'll be a home tie.

Sweden ;)

Los Pumas

You don't fancy one of your guys to beat Melzer on clay?

Croatia will beat Austria and then get maimed by Argentina in the next round :devil:

Croatia will beat Austria and then get maimed by Argentina in the next round :devil:

If that happens the tie will be in Croatia.

Well if it is, then super Dave can slap Ljubicic and Ancic indoors.

Got to win another match from somewhere and Nalbandian can't play 4 singles and the doubles by himself.

If only Canas could play... he could do it for sure.

España con Rafa y JC

España con Rafa y JC

It's sure you haven't seen the draw

Yes , I do .


Belarus only with the beast cannot against Super Rafa and JC . Mirny needs some of help

Yes , I do .


Belarus only with the beast cannot against Super Rafa and JC . Mirny needs some of help

Look at the second round , a tie that would be against Switzerland there :o

Super Rafa ?? :confused: Do you see a lot of movies, right ? ;)

:secret: Super men do not exist

Got to win another match from somewhere and Nalbandian can't play 4 singles and the doubles by himself.

Maybe Gaston Gaudio and G Coria will pull their weight and win some matches. In 2005 while Nalbandian won matches Coria lost them. Argentina needs a good number 2 before they can win the Davis Cup.

Have to go with USA. Probably beating Croatia in the final.

i'll go for spain or the USA
the draw is way better for the USA, i think....

i'll go for spain or the USA
the draw is way better for the USA, i think....

If USA play Spain in the final, the USA will have home advantage; it would be played on an extremely fast indoor court which suits Roddick/Blake/Grinder.

Considering the draw, the best chances are for Argentina and USA. Argentina is the favourite, IF Austria beats Croatia in the first round.

Arg vs Croatia, would be played in Croatia right?

Arg vs Croatia, would be played in Croatia right?

Arg vs Croatia, would be played in Croatia right?

Right on

Arg vs Croatia, would be played in Croatia right?

Yes and would be at home against Spain.

The Croat's drew Argentina in the second round? I pity the fools.

Nalbandian is unbeatable in Davis Cup play.
Another flawless season in 2006, and they can rename it to the Dave Cup.

Maybe Gaston Gaudio and G Coria will pull their weight and win some matches. In 2005 while Nalbandian won matches Coria lost them. Argentina needs a good number 2 before they can win the Davis Cup.

What are you talking about? You must have forgotten the last time Gaudio played Davis Cup, which he shouldn't have, but had the courage to play considering how bad his form was at the time and only played cause of injury. The year was 2003, this plus an injury this year stopped him from playing.

Since Coria is the higher ranked player and has done more on the other surfaces, he gets picked, especially as Cañas can't play at the moment. it's the away ties they have to win, they won't lose many home ones.

USA
Andy Roddick
Robby Ginepri
Bob Bryan
Mike Bryan

This team could prbly when if they stay on a fast surface...

USA
Andy Roddick
Robby Ginepri
Bob Bryan
Mike Bryan

This team could prbly when if they stay on a fast surface...On paper, this is perhaps the best team.

But in reality, they won't see past the second round.

USA
Andy Roddick
Robby Ginepri
Bob Bryan
Mike Bryan

This team could prbly when if they stay on a fast surface...

It will be interesting against Chile, assuming Gonzalez and Massu are in shape that could be an upset, unless they play on grass. They have a nice draw until the semis, where they could face Russia away on clay

The US should definitely do well. Romania should be an easy 5-0. I assume Chile will probably defeat the Slovaks, either way the US should still have the advantage. Massu is an easy two points for the US and the Bryan Brothers win the majority of the time. Slovakia won't be two much of a challenger regardless of the surface. I think the true test will be Russia, I don't see France - Gasquet and Mathieu and Germany - Haas and Kiefer, posing much of a threat except maybe on clay. Russia will be tough with Safin and Andreev on clay, on hardcourt or grass the US should still have the advantage.

Massu won't be a challenge, that is funny. The Chileans aren't to be underestimated when they play for their country and both of them lift big time, it was like the US when they dismissed the Croats at the start of the year and look what happened then.

The Yanks will have to use a grass court if they play Chile.

The US should definitely do well. Romania should be an easy 5-0. I assume Chile will probably defeat the Slovaks, either way the US should still have the advantage. Massu is an easy two points for the US and the Bryan Brothers win the majority of the time. Slovakia won't be two much of a challenger regardless of the surface. I think the true test will be Russia, I don't see France - Gasquet and Mathieu and Germany - Haas and Kiefer, posing much of a threat except maybe on clay. Russia will be tough with Safin and Andreev on clay, on hardcourt or grass the US should still have the advantage.

Did you see Massu and Gonzalez in Athens? If they are both in shape Chile is a team that nobody would like to face. The U.S. would be the favourite but they should work very hard to avoid the upset.

CROATIA!!!

What are you talking about? You must have forgotten the last time Gaudio played Davis Cup, which he shouldn't have, but had the courage to play considering how bad his form was at the time and only played cause of injury. The year was 2003, this plus an injury this year stopped him from playing.

Since Coria is the higher ranked player and has done more on the other surfaces, he gets picked, especially as Cañas can't play at the moment. it's the away ties they have to win, they won't lose many home ones.

To be more accurate, I should have stated that Coria and Gaudio will have to do more in AWAY ties - my error. If Argentina had another player of the calibre of David Nalbandian they would almost certainly be in the final and favourites to win it in 2005.

In 2005 in the quarter finals and semi-final Coria played 4 matches losing three (Hewitt, Hrbaty and Beck winning only 1 set and losing 9 sets) and only winning a dead rubber against Peter Luczak. In reality it is unlikely that Gaudio would have done better than Coria. Effectively David Nalbandian won the away tie against Australia with some help in the doubles from Puerta. They lost away to Slovakia because David Nalbandian lost the doubles with Puerta. To win it would have again required David Nalbandian to win all his ties again. It is the away ties which often determine who wins the Davis Cup and to a large extent it was an away tie against the USA which set up Croatia in 2005. If they play AWAY against Croatia in 2006 the problem of a quality number 2 will again be a problem.

Argentina !!! 2006 is the year! :bounce:

Massu won't be a challenge, that is funny. The Chileans aren't to be underestimated when they play for their country and both of them lift big time, it was like the US when they dismissed the Croats at the start of the year and look what happened then.

The Yanks will have to use a grass court if they play Chile.

Gonzalez will be challenging on every surface, obviously on clay more than others, but even grass he's showed what he can do with his straight sets route of Joachim Johansson.

Judging by Massu's form this year, I doubt he could challenge Roddick, Ginepri or Blake on a hard court, even Gimelstob beat him this year (on grass). If he plays like he did in Athens, it would be a whole different story.

EDIT: It would be funny if Argentina and Croatia came down to a fifth rubber with Nalbandian winning both of his matches and Croatia defeating Coria (or Gaudio) and winning doubles and Argentina threw a curveball in and puts Agustin Calleri in. I've seen Calleri when he's playing well and I would dare to say that he could beat guys like Coria, Ferrero, Nadal.

i think its nice for nations like croatia & slovkia to play for the title & have thier players fully comitted to the cup
its gives more national pride to represent ur country
several of the big star players dont see davis cup as a priority thou its the best test for pyhsical & mental strength

Argentina must beat Croatia in away condition wich seems very difficult. If we can win that, we might be at the finals against USA at home or France/Germany in away conditions, both with good chances. But against Russia away will be very hard. But semis against Switzerland, Spain or Belarus would be at home :) so we MUST defeat Croatia.
If Cañas would be elegible, I'm sure that we would win... even 2005 DC :(

But I think that Switzerland (i mean... federer) and USA have more chances than anyone.

Gonzalez will be challenging on every surface, obviously on clay more than others, but even grass he's showed what he can do with his straight sets route of Joachim Johansson.

Judging by Massu's form this year, I doubt he could challenge Roddick, Ginepri or Blake on a hard court, even Gimelstob beat him this year (on grass). If he plays like he did in Athens, it would be a whole different story.

EDIT: It would be funny if Argentina and Croatia came down to a fifth rubber with Nalbandian winning both of his matches and Croatia defeating Coria (or Gaudio) and winning doubles and Argentina threw a curveball in and puts Agustin Calleri in. I've seen Calleri when he's playing well and I would dare to say that he could beat guys like Coria, Ferrero, Nadal.

Massu plays better for Chile, it doesn't matter that much how his form is. There are guys who can play shit, then when they play for their nation they lift. The Chileans will not be a pushover in the doubles, the key is that both Massu and Gonzalez have to play, if one of them doesn't play, then there are problems, unless big Rios makes a comeback, and that would be neglible if they play the US on grass.

Calleri is the same as Massu when it comes to Davis Cup.

To be more accurate, I should have stated that Coria and Gaudio will have to do more in AWAY ties - my error. If Argentina had another player of the calibre of David Nalbandian they would almost certainly be in the final and favourites to win it in 2005.

Gaudio hasn't played in the last 2 years, so he shouldn't be included in this. Actually they do have quality players, but Coria for some reason hasn't been able to come through in these matches. It's not just about Nalbandian.

The draw plays a big thing as well, Argentina unlike Spain in 2000 have had a run with all home ties for example, but got to the best they can with the team they have.

It's like Federer, he can't use the excuse of a weak # 2 player as Wawrinka has improved and can win matches in DC.

Croatia vs Austria, well it looks like Muster should be getting the clay ready for their 1st round tie and the humor factor is that Melzer and Ancic have poor singles records, though Mario has won the singles match that counted.

Argentina must beat Croatia in away condition wich seems very difficult. If we can win that, we might be at the finals against USA at home or France/Germany in away conditions, both with good chances. But against Russia away will be very hard. But semis against Switzerland, Spain or Belarus would be at home :) so we MUST defeat Croatia.
If Cañas would be elegible, I'm sure that we would win... even 2005 DC :(

But I think that Switzerland (i mean... federer) and USA have more chances than anyone.


Switzerland?

Federer is strong, but Wawrinka is an weakest link (even though he has potential)

The Croat's drew Argentina in the second round? I pity the fools.

Nalbandian is unbeatable in Davis Cup play.

But he cannot win 3 matches alone. I think that Croatia vs. Argentina would be a VERY interesting match. It would probably end 3-2 or 2-3. I could bet on that ;)

It would probably go this way:

Ljubo b. Coria* 1:0
Nalbandian b. Ancic 1:1
Ljubo/Ancic b. Nalbandian/Puerta 2:1
Nalbandian b. Ljubo 2:2
Ancic - Coria* ???

* Or someone else

if croatia passes the first round...then we'll win the whole thing :p

Would be great.... At least I´ll be there to support them in the first round...

If they would win against Austria, wuold they have to play against Arg at home??

If Croatia and Argentina play, then it would be in Croatia.

USA and Argentina have reasonably good draws - so both stand a great chance. I think Spain are a threat too.

Massu plays better for Chile, it doesn't matter that much how his form is. There are guys who can play shit, then when they play for their nation they lift. The Chileans will not be a pushover in the doubles, the key is that both Massu and Gonzalez have to play, if one of them doesn't play, then there are problems, unless big Rios makes a comeback, and that would be neglible if they play the US on grass.

Yep, we all saw what happened when they played Russia this year without Massu. Garcia and Capdeville are good players, but they're not at World Group level.

EDIT: It would be funny if Argentina and Croatia came down to a fifth rubber with Nalbandian winning both of his matches and Croatia defeating Coria (or Gaudio) and winning doubles and Argentina threw a curveball in and puts Agustin Calleri in. I've seen Calleri when he's playing well and I would dare to say that he could beat guys like Coria, Ferrero, Nadal.

Yeah, I don't understand why Mancini keeps insisting on Coria when he has so many other players to choose from. Unless we're talking about clay ties, it's time to give others a try as well. Chela's best results this year were on hard courts; Chucho has also been showing that he can do well on the faster surfaces; and Calleri has a great volley, a good serve, and has the true DC spirit.

But I think that Switzerland (i mean... federer) and USA have more chances than anyone.

I don't think that Federer will be playing Davis Cup next year. He seemed to be really unsure about it in his latest interviews.

Yeah, I don't understand why Mancini keeps insisting on Coria when he has so many other players to choose from. Unless we're talking about clay ties, it's time to give others a try as well. Chela's best results this year were on hard courts; Chucho has also been showing that he can do well on the faster surfaces; and Calleri has a great volley, a good serve, and has the true DC spirit.

Your message reminds me Hewitt's thread as underrated player ...

Since when Chela, Chucho or Calleri are better than Coria on fast courts ??

Coria , in his career, has better results than the other 3 players on hard, grass and carpet ..

Caller has better volley and serve than coria , so what ???? This better fast court shots/skills let him to win more matches than Coria on fast courts ??? NO

Talent is something else than just to have good shots or hit a lot of winners . But it seems that players like Coria, Hewitt and Nadal are crap since they don't hit a lot of winners :retard:

Since when the results a player achieves at the tour reflect their potential to win a Davis Cup rubber? :confused:

Guess what would happen if Coria met Beck in the early rounds of the US Open. Coria would rip him a new one. But Coria seems to have an issue facing pressure situations (which has completely increased since French Open 2004) that prevents him to play his best tennis in a critical DC rubber, for example. His arms tighten, and then he starts making lots of double faults, and so on.

The rankings can be quite misleading and a captain shouldn't choose the players to represent the country based solely on them. And for me this seems to be Mancini's only criterion.


Your message reminds me Hewitt's thread as underrated player ...

Since when Chela, Chucho or Calleri are better than Coria on fast courts ??

Coria , in his career, has better results than the other 3 players on hard, grass and carpet ..

Caller has better volley and serve than coria , so what ???? This better fast court shots/skills let him to win more matches than Coria on fast courts ??? NO

Talent is something else than just to have good shots or hit a lot of winners . But it seems that players like Coria, Hewitt and Nadal are crap since they don't hit a lot of winners :retard:

I hope Argentina will win the Davis Cup in 2006.

In clay we are very strong team with Gaudio and Coria.
In other surfaces we need Nalbandian.

The match against Croatia in Zagreb is crucial...

Without Nalbandian is very difficult for us...

Since when the results a player achieves at the tour reflect their potential to win a Davis Cup rubber? :confused:

Guess what would happen if Coria met Beck in the early rounds of the US Open. Coria would rip him a new one. But Coria seems to have an issue facing pressure situations (which has completely increased since French Open 2004) that prevents him to play his best tennis in a critical DC rubber, for example. His arms tighten, and then he starts making lots of double faults, and so on.

The rankings can be quite misleading and a captain shouldn't choose the players to represent the country based solely on them. And for me this seems to be Mancini's only criterion.

Since when Chucho , Chela and Calleri manages better the pressure than Coria ?? :rolleyes: . It seems that for you to manage the pressure means to hit a lot of winners .

Exactly the mental irregularity and mental weakness are the main reason because Acasuso and Calleri are always in the list of the most " waste of talent" players on ATP tour ( I think there is a thread in MTF about those players so talented but outside of top 30 or something similar ) .

I don't need to read anymore to realize that you're clearly underestimating Coria when he has shown in the last years to be the second best argentinian player on fast courts behind Nalbandian ( and it's just as easy as to see the results and not to talk about virtual inventions , because talent without results = nothing )

By the way Super Acasuso, that amazing player, before this season had won only the 16% of matches played on fast courts in his career. He has been always a fast-courter together with Volandri :yeah:

Since when Chucho , Chela and Calleri manages better the pressure than Coria ?? :rolleyes: .

Do you recall the tie against Spain in Malaga? I honestly can't see Coria doing something similar, even if Calleri's results at the tour cannot be compared to Coria's. As for Chucho and Chela, we can't draw any conclusions before seeing them face similar situations as Coria faced in DC this year.

It seems that for you to manage the pressure means to hit a lot of winners .

Can you point out exactly where I did state this? :confused:

Exactly the mental irregularity and mental weakness are the main reason because Acasuso and Calleri are always in the list of the most " waste of talent" players on ATP tour ( I think there is a thread in MTF about those players so talented but outside of top 30 or something similar ).

Yeah, according to you David Nalbandian should be on that list, too. And he really sucks at DC ties. :rolleyes:

I don't need to read anymore to realize that you're clearly underestimating Coria

Keep up with your assumptions, if they make you feel better. :lol:


when he has shown in the last years to be the second best argentinian player on fast courts behind Nalbandian ( and it's just as easy as to see the results and not to talk about virtual inventions , because talent without results = nothing )

By the way Super Acasuso, that amazing player, before this season had won only the 16% of matches played on fast courts in his career. He has been always a fast-courter together with Volandri :yeah:

I guess I've made my point pretty clearly. Davis Cup is different than ATP tour. Make sure to check the title of the thread before rushing here to defend your idol. :shrug:

Do you recall the tie against Spain in Malaga? I hones
tly can't see Coria doing something similar, even if Calleri's results at the tour cannot be compared to Coria's

You're using a concrete match ( Ferrero-Calleri ) , in that match Calleri seemed to be the best Kuerten ( was a :speakles: machine of hitting winners )and surely played the best tennis/game in his whole career .
Since when a player is valued just according to a concrete match instead of watching his whole career ?? Why if Calleri is so good managing Davis's cup pressure ( as you mean ) he isn't able to manage in a less-pressure competition like ATP ?? ..Maybe because a concrete match is a childish argument ??

Please, give me serious arguments, and not biased/concrete matches .

As for Chucho and Chela, we can't draw any conclusions before seeing them face similar situations as Coria faced in DC this year.:

Then , please do not make science fiction insinuating that Chucho and Chela would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup , when you admit that we can't draw conclusions......


Can you point out exactly where I did state this? :confused:

Obviously you haven't said that, i was just being ironic about your non-arguments to show that they would make a good perfomance than Coria . And as you have been talking about Calleri's serve and volley to insinuate that Calleri would make a better perfomance than Coria , i was only meaning that you attach too much importance to the strokes, technique etc , when talent is something else than to have good strokes , and to win matches is necessary something else than to have those amazing shots, and this " something else " is something called " head/mind " , a part of the body that players like Calleri or Acasuso still haven't shown that their heads are healthy :silly:


Yeah, according to you David Nalbandian should be on that list, too. And he really sucks at DC ties. :rolleyes:

What are you talking about ?? . Since when Nalbandian is out of top 30 ??



Keep up with your assumptions, if they make you feel better. :lol::

I don't find no reasonable/tennistic idea to understand why you think that players like Acasuso would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup, unless you haven't idea about Acasuso's records on those courts . So, as i consider you clever enough to know Acasuso's records then the only thing i can think is that you don't like Coria and you are clearly unfair with him.



guess I've made my point pretty clearly. Davis Cup is different than ATP tour. Make sure to check the title of the thread before rushing here to defend your idol. :shrug:

Davis cup is indeed different than ATP tour, but without perfomances of those players on DAvis cup your theories are just science fiction , on the other hand ATP tour can help us to draw at least approximate conclusions and not fiction.

Coria my idol ??? :haha: ( Look at how many messages i have written in Coria's forum ) I don't care less about Coria . The only thing is that i'm fed up with persons who underestimate players only because they don't hit winners etc.

And as i have said in a previous message , the only reallity is that none of those 3 players are better on fast courts than Coria, and only if you are blind or you don't consult stats , you won't accept it.

I gotta go , you have your point of view and i have mine, so for me ended dialogue about this topic .

Yeah, I don't understand why Mancini keeps insisting on Coria when he has so many other players to choose from. Unless we're talking about clay ties, it's time to give others a try as well. Chela's best results this year were on hard courts; Chucho has also been showing that he can do well on the faster surfaces; and Calleri has a great volley, a good serve, and has the true DC spirit.

I can see why he has chosen Coria in the ties initially on the faster surfaces. At the same time his results have been disappointing in these matches for a guy of his tennis abilities. Here is the thing they have a lot of players to choose from and on clay ties could virtually win most of them with not their strongest team, but with the away ties it's a bit different.

If Calleri is fit, he should be in the DC squad as he is a very good doubles player and as you said has the DC spirit and totally plays above his normal level, plus as a singles option is a good one. Sure they have lost Cañas who'd have been the #2 and imagine some of the Coria fans not handling that too well.

There are numerous examples of playing above themselves in the DC environment eg Nalbandian, Hrbaty, Ljubicic, Gonzalez and Hewitt who are different kinds of players, but do well in that environment and at the moment Coria isn't one of them.

I can see why he has chosen Coria in the ties initially on the faster surfaces. At the same time his results have been disappointing in these matches for a guy of his tennis abilities. Here is the thing they have a lot of players to choose from and on clay ties could virtually win most of them with not their strongest team, but with the away ties it's a bit different.

If Calleri is fit, he should be in the DC squad as he is a very good doubles player and as you said has the DC spirit and totally plays above his normal level, plus as a singles option is a good one. Sure they have lost Cañas who'd have been the #2 and imagine some of the Coria fans not handling that too well.

There are numerous examples of playing above themselves in the DC environment eg Nalbandian, Hrbaty, Ljubicic, Gonzalez and Hewitt who are different kinds of players, but do well in that environment and at the moment Coria isn't one of them.

Davis cup makes some players improve their level or sometimes get worse.

You perfectly will remember what happened in Malaga with Gaudio . The pressure was his worst enemy . Gaudio is only one of the examples.

Gonzalez ?? Watching the nations he has had to face :rolleyes: :rolleyes:, the great part of these nations aren't a tennistic power at all .

http://www.daviscup.com/teams/player.asp?player=10016545

You're using a concrete match ( Ferrero-Calleri ) , in that match Calleri seemed to be the best Kuerten ( was a :speakles: machine of hitting winners )and surely played the best tennis/game in his whole career .
Since when a player is valued just according to a concrete match instead of watching his whole career ?? Why if Calleri is so good managing Davis's cup pressure ( as you mean ) he isn't able to manage in a less-pressure competition like ATP ?? ..Maybe because a concrete match is a childish argument ??

Please, give me serious arguments, and not biased/concrete matches .



Then , please do not make science fiction insinuating that Chucho and Chela would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup , when you admit that we can't draw conclusions......




Obviously you haven't said that, i was just being ironic about your non-arguments to show that they would make a good perfomance than Coria . And as you have been talking about Calleri's serve and volley to insinuate that Calleri would make a better perfomance than Coria , i was only meaning that you attach too much importance to the strokes, technique etc , when talent is something else than to have good strokes , and to win matches is necessary something else than to have those amazing shots, and this " something else " is something called " head/mind " , a part of the body that players like Calleri or Acasuso still haven't shown that their heads are healthy :silly:




What are you talking about ?? . Since when Nalbandian is out of top 30 ??





I don't find no reasonable/tennistic idea to understand why you think that players like Acasuso would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup, unless you haven't idea about Acasuso's records on those courts . So, as i consider you clever enough to know Acasuso's records then the only thing i can think is that you don't like Coria and you are clearly unfair with him.





Davis cup is indeed different than ATP tour, but without perfomances of those players on DAvis cup your theories are just science fiction , on the other hand ATP tour can help us to draw at least approximate conclusions and not fiction.

Coria my idol ??? :haha: ( Look at how many messages i have written in Coria's forum ) I don't care less about Coria . The only thing is that i'm fed up with persons who underestimate players only because they don't hit winners etc.

And as i have said in a previous message , the only reallity is that none of those 3 players are better on fast courts than Coria, and only if you are blind or you don't consult stats , you won't accept it.

I gotta go , you have your point of view and i have mine, so for me ended dialogue about this topic .
Coria fan... :cuckoo: :smash::smash:

Davis cup makes some players improve their level or sometimes get worse.

You perfectly will remember what happened in Malaga with Gaudio . The pressure was his worst enemy . Gaudio is only one of the examples.

Gonzalez ?? Watching the nations he has had to face :rolleyes: :rolleyes:, the great part of these nations aren't a tennistic power at all .

http://www.daviscup.com/teams/player.asp?player=10016545

Actually do you know the circumstances that Gaudio went to Malaga in? He was only there due to all the injuries at that time, he was in poor form and it showed. Well Gaudio played one bad Davis Cup tie and people forget all the good ones he has played, but hey that's typical.

Gonzalez when he plays for Chile lifts his game to another level and Massu is the same. If Massu wasn't playing for Chile instead of himself, he would not win a title on a fast hardcourt. Gonzalez plays at a higher level, he went to Russia and almost beat Safin on a very fast indoor court.

You're using a concrete match ( Ferrero-Calleri ) , in that match Calleri seemed to be the best Kuerten ( was a :speakles: machine of hitting winners )and surely played the best tennis/game in his whole career .
Since when a player is valued just according to a concrete match instead of watching his whole career ?? Why if Calleri if so good managing Davis's cup pressure ( as you mean ) he isn't able to manage it on ATP tour ?? Maybe because a concrete match is a childish argument ??

Please, give me serious arguments, and not biased/concrete matches .

Calleri's DC record: 10-3
Coria's DC record: 5-3

So it's not only one match we're talking about. ;)


Then , please do not make science fiction insinuating that Chucho and Chela would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup , when you admit that we can't draw conclusions......

Again, your assuming something. If you re-read my first post, you'll see that I never said that Chucho and Chela would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis Cup. I just said that perhaps Mancini should also give them a try, as the only thing we can draw conclusions is that Corias' performance in Davis Cup has been disappointing so far, comparing to the results he achieved in the circuit. Argentina is one of the few countries in the world with enough top tennis players to form 2 or 3 different competitive DC teams, then why insist on something that is not working? If the others don't work either, then he can go back to Coria. But he will never know if he never tries.


Obviously you haven't said that, i was just being ironic about your non-arguments to show that they would make a good perfomance than Coria . And as you have been talking about Calleri's serve and volley to insinuate that Calleri would make a better perfomance than Coria , i was only meaning that you attach too much importance to the strokes, technique etc , when talent is something else than to have good strokes , and to win matches is necessary something else to have those amazing shots, and this " something else " is something called " head/mind " , a part of the body that players like Calleri or Acasuso still haven't shown that their heads are healthy :silly:


Assumptions, assumptions... and, well, if Coria is such a mastermind according to you, then give me examples of this, posterior to the Roland Garros final 2004.


What are you talking about ?? . Since when Nalbandian is out of top 30 ??


Forget the top 30 part. What I meant is that you also see Nalbandian as an under-achiever (as you wrote this in another thread), but on the truth he has achieved much more than Coria in Davis Cup (DC, the subject of this discussion).



I don't find no reasonable/tennistic idea to understand why you think that players like Acasuso would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup, unless you haven't idea about Acasuso's records on those courts . So, as i consider you clever enough to know Acasuso's records then the only thing i can think is that you don't like Coria and you are clearly unfair with him.


Read above.


Davis cup is indeed different than ATP tour, but without perfomances of those players on DAvis cup your theories are just science fiction , on the other hand ATP tour can help us to draw at least approximate conclusions and not fiction.

So you mean that we should just ignore Coria's Davis Cup record and look only to his record at the ATP tour? Again, read above.

Coria fan... :cuckoo: :smash::smash:

Why MTF posters are sometimes so simple to think that if a person defends a player is fanatic of him and if criticizes him is a hater ?? :shrug:


I'm fed up with those BULLSHITS .

Why MTF posters are sometimes so simple to think that if a person defends a player is fanatic of him and if criticizes him is a hater ?? :shrug:


I'm fed up with those BULLSHITS .



I don't find no reasonable/tennistic idea to understand why you think that players like Acasuso would make a better perfomance than Coria on fast courts in Davis cup, unless you haven't idea about Acasuso's records on those courts . So, as i consider you clever enough to know Acasuso's records then the only thing i can think is that you don't like Coria and you are clearly unfair with him.

See? You did the same thing, so you're not better than anyone. :)

See? You did the same thing, so you're not better than anyone. :)

I like to be honest and as i don't like that someone tells me to be a fanatic/hater of some player without evidences , i shouldn't have told you that, so i take back that comentary about you .

By the way , Calleri's 10-3 record in davis cup is an argument easy to attack watching the surfaces and the rivals, thus tomorrow i will answer you.

Davis cup makes some players improve their level or sometimes get worse.

You perfectly will remember what happened in Malaga with Gaudio . The pressure was his worst enemy . Gaudio is only one of the examples.

Gaudio is our best Davis Cup player along with Nalbandian...

he has shown a great level of play in the Davis Cup. His only bad (actually was terrible) tie was against Spain.

His only Davis Cup loss before the tie against Spain was against Kafelnikov in Russia on a fast surface, indoors, having a match point and being robbed.

His record is 13-3, with all his victories being at home, of course on clay. His only DC match outside clay was against Kafelnikov.

He has victories in Davis Cup against Mirnyi, Ljubicic, Schuettler and Davydenko.

Hope the USA does it this year

His only Davis Cup loss before the tie against Spain was against Kafelnikov in Russia on a fast surface, indoors, having a match point and being robbed.

Jorge Dias still gets the death stare when I saw him at tournaments after that criminal overrule.

Gaudio loves the Davis Cup environment.

hey Peoples, since it seems you are following this thread, it is a good moment to thank you for giving me my first bad rep, and for the comment that came with it.


your pointless idiotic doped player is suspended from all tennis courts and rightfully so! :haha:

Thanks again!

:wavey:

It's obvious Coria is not the greatest DC player out there, but it's not completely fair to judge him by his performances after the USO when he was slumping so badly in general (it wasn't just the DC, he couldn't win a single match in the other tournaments either). Of course if he plays like this, he's useless for the Argies in DC. But he will be quite hopeless on the tour anyway if he can't solve his serve and confidence issues.

He's had one terrible tie so far (his other defeat was against Hewitt on grass, nobody expected him to win that match).
It's not the first time a player sucks by a DC tie, Grosjean lost to Pimpim and Tojo on clay and at home in the first round of the DC, you already mentioned Gaudio in Malaga...

He's had one terrible tie so far (his other defeat was against Hewitt on grass, nobody expected him to win that match).
It's not the first time a player sucks by a DC tie, Grosjean lost to Pimpim and Tojo on clay and at home in the first round of the DC, you already mentioned Gaudio in Malaga...

Well at least Coria never got pissed on or ridiculed for having probs in a DC tie, so be thankful for that.

He hasn't been unfairly treated and since he is the second best player available on all surfaces it makes sense that he is picked in the team. It's not a popularity contest, go to pick the best players for the matches, if he doesn't perform, then the situation needs to be looked at.

Well at least Coria never got pissed on or ridiculed for having probs in a DC tie, so be thankful for that.Do I detect a note of bitterness or disappointment here?
Coria has had his share of bashing articles in his career, you can't complain.

As for the rest of your post, I never said the opposite, I was only pointing out that we are talking about one single tie here (in the worst possible conditions for Coria, it certainly isn't easy to play under pressure on this kind of surface when you don't know if you'll be able to get the ball in game in your own service game).
If he can regain his confidence, I do think he's still a better choice for the DC than the other players mentioned in this thread (Chela, Chucho, Calleri...) But nobody knows how his confidence and serve issue will evolve in 2006, so it doesn't make much sense to talk about this right now.

Do I detect a note of bitterness or disappointment here?
Coria has had his share of bashing articles in his career, you can't complain.

As for the rest of your post, I never said the opposite, I was only pointing out that we are talking about one single tie here (in the worst possible conditions for Coria, it certainly isn't easy to play under pressure on this kind of surface when you don't know if you'll be able to get the ball in game in your own service game).
If he can regain his confidence, I do think he's still a better choice for the DC than the other players mentioned in this thread (Chela, Chucho, Calleri...) But nobody knows how his confidence and serve issue will evolve in 2006, so it doesn't make much sense to talk about this right now.

Detect what you want and see what you want. Do you understand the circumstances of what happened then? If you did, then you might have a clue where I am coming from. It's ok to be ridiculed by the TV, press and when playing in Buenos Aires laughed at, heckled and jeered cause of that?

What happened in Malaga happened and those reactions for the most were understandable, if it looks like someone isn't trying when playing for their country, when it's not the case, they are not going to get treated well are they, but winning something people forget the past.

See you are using Coria's poor form to justify it, when exactly the same thing happened in Malaga, so why is that different? I have already said when in form he is the 2nd best player on other surfaces, but if there is no flexibility in the team to cover situations like this, then it's a problem and all that crap before the 4th match in the semi final was over the top as well.

I understand you're bitter because of what happened after the Malaga tie, that was not my point at all! Believe it or not, I like Gaudio and I know the reactions in the press were completely stupid after the DC tie in Malaga.
You just sounded disappointed that the Coria bashing was so moderate in the media after the semi-final in Bratislava.

(You misunderstood my posts, I'm sorry, I didn't want to criticize Gaudio at all. On the contrary, I was basically saying that the tie in Malaga doesn't mean he is a complete failure in DC.)

I understand you're bitter because of what happened after the Malaga tie, that was not my point at all! Believe it or not, I like Gaudio and I know the reactions in the press were completely stupid after the DC tie in Malaga.
You just sounded disappointed that the Coria bashing was so moderate in the media after the semi-final in Bratislava.

(You misunderstood my posts, I'm sorry, I didn't want to criticize Gaudio at all. On the contrary, I was basically saying that the tie in Malaga doesn't mean he is a complete failure in DC.)

You're the one that misread what I was saying. It's not bitterness, just like rain is wet, it's a fact. What's done is done and no I am not disappointed that Coria didn't get grilled badly, cause he wasn't in form at the time, they didn't have anyone else good enough to play in that tie, same circumstances as something else in regards to that.

All I said was "Coria never got pissed on or ridiculed for having probs in a DC tie, so be thankful for that". This means is exactly what is says, my personal feelings don't come into it. How many times do I have to say this, pick the best team available and have some flexibility, so it can be changed at short notice. Team is more important than individuals or do I need to stress that again.

It's a tennis message board and nothing else and it's not like most posters are directly affected by what goes on the tennis court.

Back to the question, the Croats do you have a very good opportunity to do well if they can get past the Austrians, which one would assume they would play it on clay. For the sake of the Croats, they don't want to get injuries early in the season as having Karlovic to win a live 5th match on clay would not be the surest thing, at the same time indoors or on a faster surface the impact would not be as big.

Argentina with this group of players should win at least one Davis Cup, but if they have to play Croatia away from home. I don't fancy their chances on a very fast and slick surface.

The USA have a good start for them, don't think they will underestimate the Romanians, like they did the Croatians earlier in the year.

Well here is the draw for the 1st Round of DC.

Austria v Croatia: Schwarzl Freizeit Zentrum, Graz, AUT, clay - indoors
Argentina v Sweden: Parque Julio A. Roca, Buenos Aires, ARG, clay - outdoors
Belarus v Spain: Football Manege, Minsk, BLR, carpet - indoors
Switzerland v Australia: SEG Geneva Arena, Geneva, SUI, clay - indoors

Germany v France: Gerry Weber Stadium, Halle, GER, hard - indoors
Netherlands v Russia: Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam, NED, carpet - indoors
USA v Romania: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, La Jolla, CA, USA, hard - outdoors
Chile v Slovak Republic: Medialuna de Rancagua, Rancagua, CHI, clay - outdoors

Spain :)

France because of their " Davis Cup Spirit". :)

All the teams are great btw. :angel:

The USA have a good start for them, don't think they will underestimate the Romanians, like they did the Croatians earlier in the year.
And I think it's worth noting that Croatia ended up winning the Davis Cup this year, but anyways... Yes, it is my hope that they don't underestimate any team that they play, and they play their best tennis! ;)

With Puerta banned, I'm wondering who'll be Mancini's pick for the 4th spot in the Argentine team. Probably Calleri.

With Puerta banned, I'm wondering who'll be Mancini's pick for the 4th spot in the Argentine team. Probably Calleri.

They could pick anyone and beat the Swedes on clay.

I mean they could pick Berlocq and Rodriguez and win. Calleri if fit should be the one they chose.

They could pick anyone and beat the Swedes on clay.

I mean they could pick Berlocq and Rodriguez and win. Calleri if fit should be the one they chose.

Yes, Calleri was in the team against Czech Republic this year, when Gaudio was injured and Puerta was still at challenger level. Then probably Coria and Gaudio would play singles and Nalbandian and Calleri would be the doubles team.

Why do you think he will pick Calleri and not Chucho, for example?

Why do you think he will pick Calleri and not Chucho, for example?

I'd say he has a lot more experience in Davis Cup than Acasuso - he has a 10-3 record in DC, and Acasuso has actually never played a DC rubber.

And as I mentioned, considering the tie against Czech Republic, it seems to be Mancini's natural choice. When Gaudio pulled out, most people were expecting him to call Chela, because his ranking was the 5th best between Argentine players, and he called Calleri, who was not even in the top 50 by the time. And also we can't say Calleri was having impressive performances in the tour by the time, in fact he had spent almost the whole second semester of 2004 injured.

Of course, injuries may happen in January and prevent the players to be healthy for DC in February, but I think that if the tie was next week, this would be the most likely line-up.

I'd like Sweden (but will be tough especially with ARgentina in the 1st round), Chile or Spain (but with Moya in the team).

Argentina-Germany/Chile

Yes, Calleri was in the team against Czech Republic this year, when Gaudio was injured and Puerta was still at challenger level. Then probably Coria and Gaudio would play singles and Nalbandian and Calleri would be the doubles team.

They could probably use Chucho as the second singles player and win here, but this will depend on performances at the AO to an extent.

I mean I can see Nalle if fit will always be playing the fast court ties and Gaudio should be for the claycourt ones. This tie might Coria a chance to get back some of his confidence and Mancini won't tolerate shit either which is good.

Well there is a possibility of Chucho playing, though it will be interesting to see whether Mancini will be able to get Coria to play to cover for the loss of Gaudio in this tie.

First Round

Austria vs Croatia (s) - Austria
Argentina (s) vs Sweden - Argentina
Belarus * vs Spain (s) - Belarus
Switzerland vs Australia (s) - Switzerland

Germany vs France (s) - Germany
Netherlands vs Russia (s) - Russia
USA (s) vs Romania - USA
Chile (c) vs Slovak Republic (s) Chile

Second Round

Argentina (s) beats Austria
Switzerland beats Belarus
Russia(c) beats Germany
USA(c) beats Chile

Semis

Argentina (c) beats Switzerland
Russia (c) beats USA

both ties, obviously on clay

Finals:

Russia (c) - Argentina , unpredictable.

Argentina have the most votes so far, which means in all probability someone else will win. If the Croats get past Austria, then I don't see the Argentines beating Croatia on a faster surface.

The Aussies well they won't get beaten 5-0 now since Federer has decided not to play in Geneva.

Finals:

Russia (c) - Argentina , unpredictable.

Interesting forecast for sure and what makes you think that the Russian team wouldn't be too good for the Argentines on a faster surface?

Interesting forecast for sure and what makes you think that the Russian team wouldn't be too good for the Argentines on a faster surface?

Nalbandian. And Safin being injury-prone.. Russia had Davis Cup for taking last year, only with minnows like Croatia or Slovakia on the way, but Safin's injury killed all that..

Nalbandian. And Safin being injury-prone.. Russia had Davis Cup for taking last year, only with minnows like Croatia or Slovakia on the way, but Safin's injury killed all that..

Yes, Nalbandian is a gun DC player, but even then that was not enough for them to beat the Slovaks away from home.

The Russians are always a chance to win the DC on any other surface besides grass and that is something they don't have to worry about this year. Safin well they can get through this tie without him and then see what happens with the future ones.

As for last year as much as you hate to believe it, Ljubicic was the best player in Davis Cup and he outplayed Davydenko in the vital 4th match and these events aren't won on reputation, you know that.

Argentina leading from Croatia and Spain at the moment.

If the Croats beat Austria I think they will make it all the way to the final (they would play at home against Argentina right?)

On the other side of the draw I would obviously like Chile to get to the finals but an away game against USA is in the way. The team that wins that game will probably reach the finals (we would play Russia at home). Favourite to pass is obviously USA, but we have beaten Roddick and the Bryans in a fast court before.

If they put grass they will probably get that extra edge but I haven't seen Blake or Ginerpri on grass, are they good enough in the green stuff? I know Gonzalez is an all-terrain player, Massu on the other hand, suffers on grass. Then again they might put clay. ;)

Also. An important point to consider is injuries. The World Group is so even these days that any team loosing one of their top players might suffer a quick exit.

ARGENTINA!!! :worship:

I hope Austria beats Croatia this weekend and so we can play at home on clay :) Argentina never has a good and easy draw but we have great players that can beat anyone, especially Nalbandian.

I hope for France, Argentina or Croatia

If it is not Argentina, I hope Germany win it.

Blake or Ginepri on grass is like fish out of water.

Blake or Ginepri on grass is like fish out of water.

I thought Blake was in a final of Newport, wasn't he?

Mardy Fish used to be decent on grass in 2003. Ginepri struggled since the 2003 Newport event. I did watch his semi/final matches. Competition wasn't so great. Carraz, Melzer

Germans could do well this year, Croatia has good draw if they manage to past Austria on clay.

Belgium will win with Malisse, Rochus and Vliegen :bigclap:

Belgium will win with Malisse, Rochus and Vliegen :bigclap:

How can you win the Davis Cup, when you are not in the World Group?

:ras:

To all those who voted Spain, they are eliminated and Belarus so far is the representative of Others.

USA!!!!!:D

I would've voted Argentina.

How are Russia so behind in the poll? Even without Safin, they are very dangerous on any surface.

I like our odds this year.... I'm sure to go and watch the match against Argentina live... it will be an interesting match...
As for my forecast... I’d say we have point in dubbs and a point every day of the singles... You are all talking about Nalbandian and his play, but there will be 2 great players on the other side of the net... Ljubo was the best DC player last year and for now, he is continuing his run and getting better and better at his game.. Mario is getting better and better, I think he won’t choke no more in DC this year.... Goran Ivanisevic predicted last year that this generation can leave a big mark in DC for years... I have to agree with him...

Nalbandian shouldn't be underrated at all in Davis Cup he managed to defeat Hrbaty in Slovakia, which was something Ljubo couldn't do and this from Ljubo who owns Hrbaty. Nalbandian's game matches up well with Ljubicic.

The thing here is the #2 for the Argentines and as for Ancic I'd like to see how he handles the pressure at 2 all against a much better player than Mertinak. Luckily for Ancic, it doesn't get to that position often in recent times and when it did, he had a dream match.

Nalbandian shouldn't be underrated at all in Davis Cup he managed to defeat Hrbaty in Slovakia, which was something Ljubo couldn't do and this from Ljubo who owns Hrbaty. Nalbandian's game matches up well with Ljubicic.


well Ljubo lost only because he had a cramp in his neck that morning and he was so filled with medicaments that he threw up during the match.... i mean that is a good excuse if you ask me :)
but I agree with you, I am not underrating Nalby... it will be a close match....

U.S.A. ftw

well Ljubo lost only because he had a cramp in his neck that morning and he was so filled with medicaments that he threw up during the match.... i mean that is a good excuse if you ask me :)
but I agree with you, I am not underrating Nalby... it will be a close match....

If it was that bad, he wouldn't have played the match.

Onto the other issues here. I mean how fast does Ljubo really want the court? Unless he plans to play like Karlovic from the ground as he doesn't have the shortest swings and I am not sure if they will import "the Belarussian" ice court.

In theory Coria should be the #2 player and this is inspite of my loathing for him, but the question is whether he will front up to play or not, that is the big problem for Argentina in this match.

If it was that bad, he wouldn't have played the match.


he almost didnt... karlovic was training all morning as soon as Ljubo has woken up and went to the doctor... the choice was made in the last moment, they felt ljubo on drugs can do better then karlovic... if you watched the match you could have noticed that ljubos serves were not near as fast as usual.... i'm not saying Hrbaty didnt play great, he did... but that he was playing ljubo at lets say 70 %.....
he threw up before the third set... but he played great... he is a true hero in my book for doing so :worship:

I like our odds this year.... I'm sure to go and watch the match against Argentina live... it will be an interesting match...
As for my forecast... I’d say we have point in dubbs and a point every day of the singles... You are all talking about Nalbandian and his play, but there will be 2 great players on the other side of the net... Ljubo was the best DC player last year and for now, he is continuing his run and getting better and better at his game.. Mario is getting better and better, I think he won’t choke no more in DC this year.... Goran Ivanisevic predicted last year that this generation can leave a big mark in DC for years... I have to agree with him...

The problem with Croatia is that they don't play well on clay. If they have to play Russia, Spain, Argentina or France abroad in the future years, they'll be in big trouble.

Uriel, you are right about the 70 per cent bit with Ljubo and the final and he has done more than enough to show his DC credentials. As for dominating the competition, they need a bit more depth to do that.

This has to be Argentina's year. They've got an amazing generation now - it's time for them to deliver.

We are coming up to the quarter finals now and it should be interesting especially the Russia v France tie.

Miami seems to the Argentina vs Croatia warm up tie, though the Argentines wish they were playing on a surface this slow. As for Argentina well Calleri is making a good case to be the 2nd singles player after Nalle and it will be out of he or Acasuso.

The Aussies really should get over Belarus and would play Croatia at home and Argentina away and they wouldn't be favoured in either.

The Americans have done the right thing and picked a grass court and I'd love to see Chile win, but it will be very difficult for them.

As for the Russian team, interesting that Shamil chose Youzhny instead of Andreev, especially since Mathieu is not in the French team this time.

The problem with Croatia is that they don't play well on clay. If they have to play Russia, Spain, Argentina or France abroad in the future years, they'll be in big trouble.

i think they are pretty much at home rest of the way.

i think they are pretty much at home rest of the way.

Against Belarus I am not sure, but they would be playing Australia in Australia. It will be like a home match anyway for them.

i think they are pretty much at home rest of the way.

Australia would be an away tie, Belarus would be drawed. Then if Russia reaches the final, it would be an away tie (probably on clay). Chile would be drawed, France or USA would be at home.

I want a final france vs russia but it' s impossible
so davai russia because of marat
and allez france because of gasquet

Go the Russians, they should take care of business this weekend.

ARG

This has to be Argentina's year. They've got an amazing generation now - it's time for them to deliver.

I totally agree.

This has to be Argentina's year. They've got an amazing generation now - it's time for them to deliver.

They are not that amazing, when they make 6 DC finals in a row and play well on all surfaces, then we have an amazing generation. This one still hasn't come close to realising its talents.

Down to 4 now.

Only 9 picked people Russia.

Russia vs Argentina final.

Russians are the faves, though with the voters they are only just ahead of others.

These are the only people that voted for Russia.

-SaFiinsBabY-, Deea, flyingjh, GeorgeWHitler, JMG, The Safinator, Xanna, ys, {Annie}

I voted for Argentina :angel:

It's not over yet :p

The question is by how far the Russians and the Argentines will win their matches by.

So Hewitt is supposed to be playing, but it's not going to stop the Argentines from making the final.

So Hewitt is supposed to be playing, but it's not going to stop the Argentines from making the final.

I hope so, but I think it will be a tough tie for Argentina.

Russia is the big favorite to win it all.
Me voting for Argentina has more to do with a wish. I can't back it up with arguments.

If Cañas and Coria were fit, then it would be another story... but right now, Russia has a better team than argentina on every surface outside and grass. Clay? I am not so sure.

We would be favorites on grass... I never thought I would live to see that happening. :p

The question is by how far the Russians and the Argentines will win their matches by.

The essential is obviously live rubbers, so......

Russia 3 USA 1
Argentina 3 Australia 0

(I'll be surprised if we don't win 5-0 in all honesty - as for the dead rubber in the other Semi, I'll give it to Russia just for arguments sake)

Conclusion - Russia 4 USA 1, Argentina 5 Australia 0

Hanley and Arthurs could win the doubles tie. Nalbandian and Acasuso could choke in the singles against Hewitt, who is mentally stronger. But off course it's a long shot.

I'm still not convinced about Russia defeating USA.

If andy and James play well, 100% USA will take a champion to go home

But they are little idiots, who know they will play well, or terrible. Who knows

Bryan brothers will alway take a win for US, but Andy and James, two different to say, they are little funny and little stupid

If andy and James play well, 100% USA will take a champion to go home

But they are little idiots, who know they will play well, or terrible. Who knows

Bryan brothers will alway take a win for US, but Andy and James, two different to say, they are little funny and little stupid

:retard:

The essential is obviously live rubbers, so......

Russia 3 USA 1
Argentina 3 Australia 0

(I'll be surprised if we don't win 5-0 in all honesty - as for the dead rubber in the other Semi, I'll give it to Russia just for arguments sake)

Conclusion - Russia 4 USA 1, Argentina 5 Australia 0

Yes, that sounds about right and the only way the Aussies are winning this tie is if Argentina get disqualified.

Russia will have enough to handle the US, but the Bryans will win their match.

For the semi's, Argentina and Russia will win.

For the finals, whoever plays at home will win.

For the semi's, Argentina and Russia will win.

For the finals, whoever plays at home will win.

That would be the Russians were that final to take place.

Go Russians!!!!!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

46 people picked Argentina

Acachucho, Amnesia, AsianSensation, asl, bad gambler, BATES, bibi_s, Björki, bridget, clarita_87, crazy_nanine, Denaon, disturb3d, Dragula.mp3, Dupuis2006, Florencia, flutterby, Frooty_Bazooty, gsm, hammett, hideharulovelove, its.like.that, jazz_girl, JennaNicole, Jimnik, joyk, Julio1974, KoOlMaNsTeVeN, kyleskywalker007, lau, LocoPorElTenis, Lucas Arg, maccapo, marti_228, nikkita, Plastic Bertrand, ReturnWinner, Rod_Arg91, sally webb, Shotgun Blues, Silawen, Surf The Earth, takuma, ufokart, victoria_maraude, WillyCañas

9 picked Russia

-SaFiinsBabY-, Deea, flyingjh, GeorgeWHitler, JMG, The Safinator, Xanna, ys, {Annie}

9 picked Russia

-SaFiinsBabY-, Deea, flyingjh, GeorgeWHitler, JMG, The Safinator, Xanna, ys, {Annie}

we are right, you'll see! :p :p :p

9 picked Russia

-SaFiinsBabY-, Deea, flyingjh, GeorgeWHitler, JMG, The Safinator, Xanna, ys, {Annie}

Actually, I didn't.. :) I did say in this thread that I find the outcome of the final between Rus and Arg totally unpredictable, I just went with nationalistic sentiment in voting, but in terms of tennis analysis, Rus-Arg is totally 50/50.

Actually, I didn't.. :) I did say in this thread that I find the outcome of the final between Rus and Arg totally unpredictable, I just went with nationalistic sentiment in voting, but in terms of tennis analysis, Rus-Arg is totally 50/50.

NO WAY!

NO WAY!

Too bad I am aware of your reputation to enter a semi-serious dialouge about this. :)

46 people picked Argentina

Acachucho, Amnesia, AsianSensation, asl, bad gambler, BATES, bibi_s, Björki, bridget, clarita_87, crazy_nanine, Denaon, disturb3d, Dragula.mp3, Dupuis2006, Florencia, flutterby, Frooty_Bazooty, gsm, hammett, hideharulovelove, its.like.that, jazz_girl, JennaNicole, Jimnik, joyk, Julio1974, KoOlMaNsTeVeN, kyleskywalker007, lau, LocoPorElTenis, Lucas Arg, maccapo, marti_228, nikkita, Plastic Bertrand, ReturnWinner, Rod_Arg91, sally webb, Shotgun Blues, Silawen, Surf The Earth, takuma, ufokart, victoria_maraude, WillyCañas :angel:

Nalbandian, after retaining the TMC title, will play three of his best matches. You'll see. ;)

Too bad I am aware of your reputation to enter a semi-serious dialouge about this. :)

I'm completely serious about that.

Hey, it's not like I'm saying something like "Ginepri upset by Montañes on clay".

I'm completely serious about that.

Hey, it's not like I'm saying something like "Ginepri upset by Montañes on clay".

As I said Señhor I know your form on this issue especially with Argentine players and as for the second part of the equation, well it takes all kinds.

It Nalbandian is in his best form and eager to win (and I fully expect this), noone in the Russiam squad can manage him; even if it's carpet, which I assume will be Tarpischev's choice and where Safin has been an absolute monster all his career, I think Nalbandian will be victorious in 2 singles rubbers. I also cannot see Argentines win any of the other singles rubbers if Safin and Davydenko show up to play; the only other Argentine guys who can cause problems to either of those on hard surface are Canas and Coria, and it would be a shock to see any of them fit enough to play in Davis Cup. So it comes down to the doubles, and I have no idea who will win it.

Russia appears the clear favourite for the final, I think the head to head advantage of Marat over David is important. However, Calleri is not a clown indoors and Argentina has more chances than the US did.

It Nalbandian is in his best form and eager to win (and I fully expect this), noone in the Russiam squad can manage him; even if it's carpet, which I assume will be Tarpischev's choice and where Safin has been an absolute monster all his career, I think Nalbandian will be victorious in 2 singles rubbers.

Safin is the most accomplished currently active indoors player, 4 indoors Masters, no less. And you think Safin does not have a good shot at Dave, whom he also totally owns? OK..

Russia appears the clear favourite for the final, I think the head to head advantage of Marat over David is important. However, Calleri is not a clown indoors and Argentina has more chances than the US did.

Most of Nalbandian-Safin matches took place in 2002, when Marat was a much better player than he is today (unfortunately, I don't think he ever reaches that level again; hope I'm wrong, though), and Nalbandian a much less solid player than he is today. I think their US Open encounter earlier this month is a pretty good indicator of what may happen: if Nalbandian turns his head off, Safin will run over him, but if he cuts down unforced errors (as he did in sets 3 and 4), Marat just cannot stay with him.

As for Calleri, I would be hugely surprised to see him beating Davydenko, as Donkey is a very bad match-up for Agustin. And Safin on carpet is even tougher.

Safin is the most accomplished currently active indoors player, 4 indoors Masters, no less. And you think Safin does not have a good shot at Dave, whom he also totally owns? OK..

I do remember that Safin is (or at least was) second to noone indoor; however, if Nalbandian shows his best stuff, he is second to noone on any surface (Ok, Federer-grass is an exception). Sorry, I do think Nalbandian has a very good chance of beating Safin against all statistics (indoor, Davis Cup at home, record against Nalbandian). This all turns to nothing when the actual game starts.

These were the 9 people who guessed Russia as the winners before the event started in Round 1.

-SaFiinsBabY-, Deea, flyingjh, GeorgeWHitler, JMG, The Safinator, Xanna, ys, {Annie}

These were the 9 people who guessed Russia as the winners before the event started in Round 1.

-SaFiinsBabY-, Deea, flyingjh, GeorgeWHitler, JMG, The Safinator, Xanna, ys, {Annie}

their lucky charm!!! :worship: :worship: :worship: