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  • France and USA advance to 2nd round Davis Cup clash

    2/9/08 11:01 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    - Both USA and France seal up their ties today by winning their doubles matches. The two countries will meet in a clash that should be quite a cracker in America after Miami.

    Whew, this tie will be great. First off, it will be in USA, and most believe it will be in Winston Salem, North Carolina, much like the 2nd round match with Spain last year. That court was indoor, fast, and low bouncing.

    Barring injuries, the American squad is set in stone with Roddick, Blake, and the Bryan brothers. The French team has some variables. Gasquet is a lock, as is most likely Tsonga as well. The other two cause some concern. Their best doubles team is definitely Llodra/Santoro. Clement and Paul-Henri Mathieu might get in for someone, it depends on what Guy Forget's streategy would be. Gasquet, Tsonga, and Llorda/Santoro would give them the best shot at winning.

    Roddick-Gasquet. I see Roddick with the advantage here, barring stellar play from Gasquet. Depending on how quick the court is, Roddick's advantage might dip. Gasquet likes some time to set up his shots, and a quick low bouncing hard court will work to Roddick's game more. Of course, Roddick could play like the passive high topspin player he's been since about 2005 and we might have a 5 setter here.

    Blake-Tsonga. Another tight one. On a faster court, Blake and Tsonga with thier big shots should be a winner-fest match. Their forms will be key as well. If Tsonga is playing like he did at the Australian Open, he should prevail. Blake will also have peaks and valleys in his game, so look out for another fantastic match here.

    Bryan/Bryan - Santoro/Llodra. Usually the Bryans will have a guaranteed point here, but Santoro's game is tailor made for doubles, and Llodra is a great doubles man as well. I see the Bryans with the advantage, but would not be surprised to see them lose for the first time in 3 years in Davis Cup doubles.

    Roddick-Tsonga. More big serves and big groundstrokes. Tsonga should have the advantage, however, as Roddick's recent passive play should play right into Tsonga's hands. This is a different Tsonga than at the 2007 Australian first round.

    Blake-Gasquet. Can't call it. Blake might hit through Gasquet, or Gasquet might play like Federer. Or, both will happen for stretches and each might play like a Challengers player for stretches. Blake's big hitting should push Gasquet further and further behind the baseline and Blake will dictate play.

    All in all, expect a fantastic 2nd round tie between USA and France.

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