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  • Blake out, Querrey in for Davis Cup tie with Spain

    9/14/08 5:27 PM | Ricky Dimon
    - James Blake has been left off the United States' Davis Cup roster for next weekend's clash with Spain. Sam Querrey will make his debut for the underdog American squad.

    James Blake, a staple of the United States Davis Cup team in recent years, was replaced on the roster earlier this week by 20-year-old Sam Querrey.

    Just last month Blake had been confirmed as one of the American players--along with Andy Roddick and the Bryan Brothers--to lead an upset bid against the host Spaniards. The tie will be held next weekend (September 19-21) in Madrid and Querrey will be making his Davis Cup debut.

    While Querrey enjoyed a stellar U.S. Open, has had better clay-court results in 2008 than any of his countrymen, and Blake has struggled mightily of late other than an Olympic semifinal appearance, captain Patrick McEnroe said it was Blake's decision. “James is just physically and mentally exhausted after a grueling summer. He said he needed a break and we respect that. This is also a great opportunity for Sam, who has had a solid year, strong results on clay and has been a loyal practice partner for this team.”

    Spain is sending Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, and Feliciano Lopez into action. It's a formidable squad that will be heavily favored on red clay.

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