OMG I can't believe how close some of these ties are!!
Of the 10 high-profile Davis Cup ties, this weekend, only 2 were decided by the end of Saturday, with 8 requiring at least 1 live reverse singles match.
Several of the ties have been extraordinary, to say the least:
Germany have a genuine shot to beat Russia (some would have expected them to have little chance) and that tie should see a live 5th.
Israel v Chile has seen 3 HUGE matches, with the home side having a shot at reaching the World Group (for the first since ???!)...probably best chance in a live 5th rubber with the woeful Massu;
Peru look to reach the World Group (for the first time?) having taken a surprise 2-1 lead into today's reverse singles. Horna is the favourite over Mirnyi, but will there be a twist in the tale (he is carrying a back injury)?
Czechs had an enormous doubles win yesterday which gave them a hugely important 2-1 overnight lead. Federer should overcome Berdych, taking the tie into a live 5th rubber...Stepanek is a bad match for Wawrinka, but does he have the gas, and the bottle, to clinch it for the home side?
Japan gave it EVERYTHING against Romania, and came within less than 1 set of victory, with Suzuki. Soeda fought bravely but, ultimately, went down to Hanescu, sealing a return to the World Group for the Romanians. What a close tie!!
A rather one-sided tie, so far, but Korea look to make the World Group (for the first time since ???!) which is exciting for them.
Also, Henman retires with two live wins for Great Britain, ending a 4-year absence from the World Group. A nice way to end one's career.
What a weekend, and there is still plenty more in store!! 
Of the 10 high-profile Davis Cup ties, this weekend, only 2 were decided by the end of Saturday, with 8 requiring at least 1 live reverse singles match.
Several of the ties have been extraordinary, to say the least:
Germany have a genuine shot to beat Russia (some would have expected them to have little chance) and that tie should see a live 5th.
Israel v Chile has seen 3 HUGE matches, with the home side having a shot at reaching the World Group (for the first since ???!)...probably best chance in a live 5th rubber with the woeful Massu;
Peru look to reach the World Group (for the first time?) having taken a surprise 2-1 lead into today's reverse singles. Horna is the favourite over Mirnyi, but will there be a twist in the tale (he is carrying a back injury)?
Czechs had an enormous doubles win yesterday which gave them a hugely important 2-1 overnight lead. Federer should overcome Berdych, taking the tie into a live 5th rubber...Stepanek is a bad match for Wawrinka, but does he have the gas, and the bottle, to clinch it for the home side?
Japan gave it EVERYTHING against Romania, and came within less than 1 set of victory, with Suzuki. Soeda fought bravely but, ultimately, went down to Hanescu, sealing a return to the World Group for the Romanians. What a close tie!!
A rather one-sided tie, so far, but Korea look to make the World Group (for the first time since ???!) which is exciting for them.
Also, Henman retires with two live wins for Great Britain, ending a 4-year absence from the World Group. A nice way to end one's career.
What a weekend, and there is still plenty more in store!!
