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3/5/09 9:18 PM | Ricky Dimon
France and the Czech Republic will square off in a blockbuster Davis Cup tie this weekend in Ostrava. The two countries have met on thirteen previous occasions in Davis Cup play.
The fourteenth Davis Cup encounter between France and the Czech republic has the feel of a semifinal or final encounter as opposed to a first-round showdown. Given this draw, however, one very dangerous country will be out Davis Cup action before the middle of March.
France leads its series with the Czech Republic 7-6, and the French squad has arguably never been better. Almost certainly the deepest country in men's tennis, France boasts Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, and Michael Llodra. So good is France that losing Gael Monfils, a Top 10 player, doesn't even seem like a significant setback. Llodra replaced Monfils on the French roster earlier this week.
In the Czech Republic, France faces a serious test, especially since the Czechs have home-court advantage. Leading the way is an on-fire Radek Stepanek, who is joined Tomas Berdych to form a formidable singles duo. Stapanek, like Tsonga, has already captured two ATP titles this season and just recently reached the final of another (Memphis). Berdych has never produced the same results, but his talent is undeniable and it was on display for two sets against Roger Federer at the Australian Open.
Jan Hernych and doubles specialist Lukas Dlouhy round out the Czech squad.
“Both Guy (French captain Guy Forget) and myself are confronted with problems," explained Jaroslav Navratil. "He has to chose four out of five very talented players and I only have two, but I would prefer having his problem."
"We do know what it’s like to play high pressure matches like Grand Slam and Masters Series finals or Masters Cup semifinals," said Simon, referring to how the Frenchmen can overcome a relative lack of Davis Cup experience. Those experiences will come in handy under the intense pressure of facing the Czech Republic in a hostile environment.
Having home-court advantage should keep the Czechs extremely competitive, but Simon and Tsonga thrive in big-match circumstances and that could be the difference at the end of a thrilling weekend.
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