Help
3/2/09 8:11 PM | Ricky Dimon
With Roger Federer out of this weekend's Davis Cup tie against the United States, Marco Chiudinelli hopes to be a major factor in underdog Switzerland's upset bid.
Roger Federer's absence from Switzerland's 2009 Davis Cup opener against the United States--to be played this weekend in Birmingham, Alabama--dealt a huge blow to the Swiss team. Marco Chiudinelli, however, hopes that it also presents an opportunity.
"I'm definitely happy to be back on the team," said Chiudinelli, who missed most of 2007 and 2008 with a knee injury. "I'm trying to pursue the coach and captain to put me on the court and I hope I'll be playing singles."
Chiudinelli knows, however, that Switzerland's chances are almost crippled without the world No. 2. "It's a big setback for us. I think it was quite an open match between States and us. Now it looks quite bad for us and no one is happy about that."
A sell-out crowd is still expected, and Chiudinelli is planning to use that as extra motivation. "If it's sold out I hope they're all coming. For sure there where will be Swiss fans as well. It's important to try our best also for them so they don't do the trip for nothing."
Chiudinelli, ranked No. 341 in the world mainly due to physical problems, has been a factor in Davis Cup before. He defeated both Fernando Verdasco and David Ferrer in an opening-round tie between Switzerland and Spain back in February of 2007. "That was just two weeks before I had to stop because of my knee injury," he explained. "Definitely good memories playing at home, beating those two guys."
Federer, meanwhile, pulled out of both Dubai and the Davis Cup as a precautionary measure for a lingering back problem. Chiudinelli is joined on the Swiss team by Stanislas Wawrinka, Stephane Bohli, and Yves Allegro. The United States will send Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Bob and Mike Bryan into action.
Tell a friend »
Dear Roger ,
get well & come back as soon as possible.All ur fans desperately waiting for ur come back & show us ur magic once again in your game with a new spirit & determination.I always pray for u.
Hope ur team(country) does well in your absence.God Bless U.
tomnjerry2 , 3/3/09 3:14 PM
yeah..I miss Roger too.Rogerless days are boring as all I get to watch is baseline slugfests(not my cup of tea) and bear with media crapfests(lol).Thank God we atleast have Murray but he too is unwell.
In the meantime I hope the Swiss team does well.Its pretty much a given that US is going to end up winning the tie.Nevertheless-ALLEZ SUISSE! and Allez Chiudinelli!
janhavi , 3/3/09 4:05 PM
yusra - the point is that Chiudinelli LITERALLY wants to replace Federer. Like he wants to take his singles spot.
Even he knows he can't FIGURATIVELY replace Federer.
RickyDimon , 3/3/09 4:50 PM
Ricky, I'm a little bit confused. What do you mean by: "the point is that Chiudinelli LITERALLY wants to replace Federer. Like he wants to take his singles spot." ?
From what I gathered from this article, it sounds like Chiudinelli wants to capitalize on Roger Federer's absence, and use this opportunity to rise to the occasion for Team Switzerland.
I don't think he's suggesting (or your suggesting Chiudinelli's suggesting) that the Team Switz completely replace Roger Dodger. As in, "Well Fed you're looking healthy n'all today but, sorry, we gave your singles spot to Chiudinelli and we won't be needing you anymore on the team."
To be honest, good for Chiudinelli! That's the type of attitude I want from the Murriless Team Scotland. It goes without saying that not having Roger on the team is a MAJOR blow, but I like the attitude of wanting and willing to step up and see what they can do without their main man.
However, here's to a victory for team USA! ^_^
Gulluck Patrick Mcnroe, Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Bryans!
MiniArbre , 3/3/09 11:39 PM
I mean he wants to literally take Federer's spot and play two singles rubbers. He know he is not going to replace Federer's talent or be as good.
RickyDimon , 3/4/09 4:57 AM
It would be interesting to see what would happen if the top 10 players were excluded from playing DC. As it is, there is often a conflict of interests and a lot of bad feeling when a top player puts his 'career' first and opts out of the physical demands of a gruelling weekend of five-set matches just before a major tournament. It would also allow lesser ranked players to show what they are capable of. Most people believed Spain would lose out to Argentinia without Nadal: instead Vadasco stepped in and saved the day - going on to show greatly improved form driven by that success.
ed251137 , 3/4/09 12:07 PM
hh
tenisbebe , 3/5/09 5:45 AM
FYI - Federer is currently in Dubai training with Cahill. It is apparently a trial arrangement with nothing set in terms of a signed agreement.
tenisbebe , 3/5/09 8:38 AM
^^^ yep,I read that too.My first reaction was-HOLY CRAP!!! LOL. Anyway,nothing has been fixed yet but I do hope it works out!
janhavi , 3/5/09 8:48 AM
Scan QR code to access Unibet mobile.
Bet on Sports wherever you are and whenever you like, with Unibet's quick and simple mobile client you can place bets, check results and see live odds.
For more info about QR codes & scanners click here.
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.5.0
Disclaimer © 2001-2012, Moneytainment Media Ltd - All rights reserved
well the article is gud but i think chiudinelli can never replce roger. jst wish if federer was also plain this match but hmmmmmm... lets c !
yusra , 3/3/09 6:58 AM