[is6]

...considering that

1. Zhenya is in bad form (lacking speed, etc)... and he will be tired (no matter what he says after playing doubles)

2. Michail had success on clay (seems like he likes playing on clay) - in 2002 he won Stuttgart, was in 2 semis

3. he seems mentally strong to me

4. finally he defeated Mathieu in Sopot (should have some confidence) 2-6 6-0 6-4

c'mon Shamil... let Misha play!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jessi]

i would agree with you except for the fact that Misha is struggling with a bad back.

We just have to hope that Marat/Zhenya with the doubles tomorrow and Marat wins his singles on Sunday..

 

[is6]

I didn't know about his back... where did you read it, Jessi?

I have little hope for doubles... sorry

 

[Jessi]

I don't remember exactly where i read it. I just remember reading in one of the many articles that he missed the training camp last week in Monte Carlo because he was still in Moscow receiving treatment for his back.

I'm very nervous about the doubles. Its a must win for Russia. If Russia loses the tie is as good as over. Hope Zhenya can redeem himself with a good performance tomorrow.

 

[TheBoiledEgg]

it all depends on who France play in the 1st match

if its Marat vs Grosjean then I'd play Misha vs Mathieu

but France will gamble on Santoro vs Marat
hopefully Marat can make it 2-2

which would mean Grosjean can't play if Zhenya plays 5th rubber

 

[Maryann2102]

I'm thinking that Clement may play v. Kafelnikov.. it appears that Yk is feeble... so give some payback to Clement...However, I feel strongly that P-H would run YK around the court...who knows, experience won with Marat & P-H

 

[KFS]

It's a good suggestion!!

But I think Zhenya really wanna play for his country....

Sounds a bit sad if Russia wins with no victory posted by Zhenya, and he retires..... I would like to see Zhenya to post a victory for the Davis Cup!!!

 

[Mrs. B]

I'm all for that. Youzhny is a good clay court player and he's fast. Zhenya may be retiring but what does their captain want---to be sentimental, let him play when he's not in top form and he loses (he wasn't really brilliant on that doubles match either) or to really try to win this final? He should give Youzhny a chance. It might be a good move...

I would really want to see Russia win this!!!

 

[Tryphon]

Maryann, Clément cannot play as he is not in the team of 4.

It could be only Mathieu or Santoro, or Escudé as Jorge would point out, but since he injured himself yesterday, it would be even less likely than it already was.

I really wonder what the captains are going to come out with:

Kafel - Paulo
Kafel - Fab
Misha - Paulo
Misha - Fab

 

[is6]

guess what? according to the Russian media, it's not out of the question... Tarpishchev said he'll make a desicion after Marat't match!

 

[is6]

according to another source, the decision has been made: Youzhny will play against Mathieu!

go Misha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tryphon]

Yes Yevgeny and Fabrice are watching while Misha and Paulo are in the locker room.

Big burden on the shoulders of the young guns!

 

[is6]

what an excellent opportunity for both of them (if Marat wins): TO BE A COUNTY HERO!

I hope it's Misha!!!!

 

[King Aaron]

Good luck Misha then!

 

[the cat]

Udachi Misha!

Who is is6? I think I know is6 from WTA World. But his/her idendity is a mystery to me! Is is6 Nina?

 

[Tryphon]

Go boys! May the better win.

 

[is6]

I was so right!!!!

thank you, Shamil, for listenning to me!

 

[KFS]

Well Done, Misha!!! What a victory for his personal tennis career and the country!!!