Interesting 1st day in this Davis Cup Round with some easy-to-forecast results and a couple of surprises.
Serbia – Belgium 2-0
With Nole playing we already know who is going to get to the next round. However Troicki had a huge struggle against David Goffin to win 1-6 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4 6-4. Nole conceded only 7 games to Rochus to win 6-3 6-2 6-2.
Troicki and Zimonjic are widely expected to win the doubles.
USA – Brazil 2-0
A walk in the park for the North Americans. John Isner wins a comfortable 6-3 7-6(4) 6-3 against Alvez (world no.141) while Sam Querry beats Bellucci 6-3 6-4 6-4.
The Bryan brothers should seal the deal playing Melo and Soarez in doubles
France – Israel 2-0
A distracted Tsonga left one set to world no. 173 Weintraub to win 6-3 6-3 4-6 7-5, Gasquet left only 7 games to Dudi Sela (6-3 6-2 6-2).
Benneteau and Llodra should win the doubles against Sela and Elrich to bring their team to the next round.
Argentina – Germany 2-0
Big surprise here as Monaco won his match with Mayer (expected) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-4, but Berloq was gifted by Kohlschreiber. In fact, the German was leading an epic 5 setter when he went to serve for the match leading 6-3 5-7 6-2 4-6 5-4… but.. he had to retire for a hamstring injury. “I can’t move my leg. I can’t take a single step,” said the German that left for Europe on crutches.
Game over for the Europeans that should replace Kohlschreiber with either Kamke (ranked no.93) or Kas (no.69).
Canada – Spain 2-0
Incredible stuff in Vancouver where Raonic beats Ramos 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 6-4 and world no. 166 Dancevic trashes Granollers 6-1 6-2 6-2.
Kazakhstan – Austria 2-0
This was the big surprise of the day as Kazakhstan got an incredible 2-0 lead with low ranked players and all in straight set victories.
World no. 181 Golubev defeated Haider-Maurer 7-6(2) 6-3 7-6(5) and world no.211 Korulev beat Melzer 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2 (!!!)
Switzerland – Czech Republic 1-1
Wawrinka defeats Rosol 6-4 6-3 6-4. Berdych wins against a good Laaksonen 6-3 6-2 6-7(5) 6-1.
Wawrinka and Chiudinelli will take on Minar and Vesely in doubles.
Italy – Croatia 1-1
Cilic beats Lorenzi in a tough 6-1 6-7 (6) 4-6 6-3 6-2. Seppi wins 6-2 6-7(2) 6-4 6-4 against Dodig.
Bolelli and Lorenzi will play Mektic and Pavic in doubles.
