PETE ZIEBRON
Janko Tipsarevic clinched Serbia's semifinal tie against the Czech Republic. Pete Ziebron Images
The last few years Davis Cup, its format, its scheduling and even its relevance have been questioned loudly by current players, former players, broadcasters and the media. For other players like Novak Djokovic and David Nalbandian, Davis Cup is viewed as mandatory and provides an opportunity to be remembered forever in their respective nations.
I asked Djokovic, the only player in the ATP Top 4 to play Davis Cup this year, in Cincinnati about his Davis Cup preparations, including playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Toronto this summer:
- "In some way helps as well, helps me get more practice for doubles because, you know, you never know. You might play doubles match as well in Davis Cup, which is very important. I haven't played doubles in Davis Cup for really two, two and a half years."
Djokovic went on to elaborate on his love for representing Serbia in Davis Cup competition:
- "We have big support of the country. You know, we don't get to play for team that often. It's individual sport, so it's something different. It's very special. You feel the team spirit. You have somebody sitting on your bench when you're on the changeover giving you advices, and then you have your colleagues from the team supporting you side court. So it's much different than the other events. Makes it good."
Although Djokovic played in the doubles tie yesterday and lost, today he rallied from one set down to beat world #7 Tomas Berdych to level Serbia's tie with the Czech Republic and set the stage for the winner-take-all match between Janko Tipsarevic and Radek Stepanek. On Friday, Tipsarevic defeated Berdych and was able to beat Stepanek in straight sets today, sending the nation of Serbia into a wild celebration as the Serbs surge into their first Davis Cup Final where they will host France for the 2010 Davis Cup.
France enjoyed the fact that they were hosting their 3rd consecutive tie, while their opponent Argentina made their 3rd consecutive trip to Europe in Davis Cup competition. The second match on Friday was the most anticipated and involved David Nalbandian and Gael Monfils. Nalbandian, a Davis Cup warrior, who skipped Wimbledon to prepare for Argentina's 2nd round tie in Russia would most likely prefer a Davis Cup trophy than a Grand Slam title. Monfils, on the other hand, also appreciates Davis Cup play, particularly when playing a tie at home, as he is able to feed off the energy of the crowd.
French Davis Cup hero Gael Monfils. Pete Ziebron Images
Monfils came into the semifinal tie with Argentina having won his 2 previous 2010 Davis Cup matches against Germany's Philipp Kohlschriber and Spain's David Ferrer. With France leading the tie 1-0, Monfils extended the French stranglehold on Argentina with a strong 6-4 2-6 6-4 6-3 victory over Nalbandian. France would sweep the tie, advanced to the 2010 Davis Cup Final and ended Nalbandian's hopes of leading Argentina to their first Davis Cup title. France will now play their first road tie in Serbia on the weekend of December 3-5.
Notable victories in the 2010 Davis Cup World Group Playoffs:
- Kazakhstan advanced to the World Group for the first time as they swept a Stanislaus Wawrinka led Swiss squad 5-0.
- India, who lost 2 heartbreaking 5 setters on Friday, came from an 0-2 deficit to thrill their fans in Chennai and defeat Brazil.
- Austria rallied from 1-2 down to defeat Israel in Tel Aviv.
Is Davis Cup relevant? It is to Novak Djokovic, Janko Tipsarevic, David Nalbandian, Gael Monfils, the French team, the Serbian team, the Kazakhstan team, the India team, the Austria team. It is to the proud people from the 4 other nations that also won ties today. It is to the practice players that get the opportunity to represent their nation. It is to Ryan Harrison, a promising young American looking to have a breakthrough season next year. It is to the fans in nations that do not have a tournament nearby and were able to attend meaningful matches over the weekend.
Kindly keep Davis Cup exactly the way it is going forward. Take it from world #2 Novak Djokovic: "It's very special."
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