5 Davis Cup ties to watch out for during the weekend!

The Davis CupDubbed as the world cup of tennis for men, the Davis Cup action resumes this weekend with the World Group Semi-finals along with the World Group Playoffs to decide the World Group for 2016. But unlike other sports, few of the top stars of tennis come out and play for their country on a regular basis. Despite the absence of big names, the Davis Cup still produces quality matches. With the Olympics around the corner, it will also be an opportunity for some players to represent their countries, a pre-requisite for qualification for Rio 2016. Here’s a look into some of the clashes to watch out for from September 18-20 around the world.

#1 Great Britain vs Australia - World Group Semi Final

Murray brothers in action against France in the quarter-finals

Australia and Great Britain are two of the most successful teams in Davis Cup history after United States. Their rivalry will be renewed this weekend as they play each other in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in Emirates Arena, Glasgow. For the first time since 1981, Great Britain is in the semi-finals of Davis Cup. Led by World Number 3 Andy Murray and his brother Jamie Murray who recently reached the US Open Doubles final, many see this as Britain’s best chance to reach a Davis Cup final and even win it, something not done since 1936. In the semis of the Davis Cup for the first time since 2005, the Australians would have the experience of veteran Lleyton Hewitt, in addition to the service of young guns, Kokkinakas, Groth and Tomic. They would be aiming to reach the final and give a memorable farewell to Lleyton Hewitt, who would be retiring after the Australian Open next year. A constant figure at Davis Cup ties, Hewitt has become one of the most successful Davis Cup players in history for Australia. While he is expected to play doubles in the tie, his services may be called upon should Australia find themselves tied at 2-2 on the final day

The match to look forward to in the tie has to be Murray – Tomic. Murray leads their head to head 2-0 with both matches being a walk in the park for him. However, the five set format and the fact that playing for your country tends to bring the best out in players may make the affair interesting. It remains to be seen if the Murray brothers would team up for the doubles on Saturday. Australia leads the head to head 8-4, but the two nations haven’t played each other in a while. Be sure to catch the action when the two meet to renew one of the greatest sporting rivalries this weekend

Prediction: Great Britain to win

#2 Belgium vs Argentina - World Group Semi Final

David Goffin

The second semi-final between Belgium and Argentina is being dubbed as a low key affair compared to the other semi. Neither country boasts big names, with the highest ranked played being David Goeffin of Belgium, ranked 15. Belgium has taken advantage of the absence of some top players from the countries they played in previous rounds, to reach the semi-final, their first since 1999. On the other hand, Argentina have reached their 10th semi-final in the last 14 years. History is against the Argentines, as they have won only three of those semi-finals, ending runner up each time. The tie at Brussels seems perfectly matched, making it hard to pick sides. The tie being on hard courts is likely to favour the Belgians slightly. However, the Argentines would be hoping for an early lead on Day 1 to put the pressure on Belgium. The performance of Belgium’s top two players, Darcis and Goffin would be crucial for Belgium if they are to make through to the finals. The only time the two nations played in Davis Cup, Belgium beat Argentina 3-2. The tie took place in Brussels too, but in 1948. The tie presents a golden opportunity for one of the two nations to book a place in the final. Keep a watch on this tie between the two underdogs.

Prediction: Belgium to win

#3 Czech Republic vs India - World Group Playoffs

Indian and Czech teams after official draw ceremony

In an interesting clash, top seeds Czech Republic plays underdogs India in the World Group playoffs for a place in the World Group in 2016. Without their top player, Tomas Berdych, the Czechs would look to retain their place in the elite group of the competition, something they have been achieving since 2006. India are coming off a close win against New Zealand in the zonal round, after being down 1-2 at the end of play on second day. The absence of Berdych is sure to play into an advantage to India making the tie an interesting one. Last year at the same stage, India provided a huge scare to the then defending champions Serbia, before being edged out 3-2 in the deciding rubber. Playing at home, the cheers of the home crowd will definitely augment the Indians’ performance.

The addition of Leander Paes to the team of relatively young players is sure to help India. Coming off after a win in New York, Paes, India’s most successful Davis Cup player is sure to be charged up to play for his country. Yuki Bhambri’s recent win too came at the right time for the host country, which is looking to enter the World Group for the first time since 2011. In spite of the absence of Berdych, the Czechs will hope that Luckas Rosol and Jiri Vesley give their team an early lead. The doubles rubber would turn out to be quite interesting with two veterans on both sides of the net, Paes and Stepanek. Both have been partners on the tour recently, and share a good rapport among them. India’s chances would heavily rely on how the singles rubbers turn out. With doubles rubber win almost assured, a 1-1 situation at the end of the first day might put India is a good position. However, Davis Cup has thrown up unexpected results in recent times and we have to wait to see how the tie unfolds.

Prediction: Czech Republic to win

#4 Switzerland vs Netherlands - World Group Playoffs

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka

Switzerland, last year’s champions play the Dutch at Geneva. Devoid of the services of its top two players, the Swiss lost in the first round of the competition early this year. Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka are back for this tie, to ensure that the Swiss don’t get relegated to the Zonal Group 1. The presence of these two have given a definite advantage to Switzerland. The Dutch should provide no problems to RF, Stan and Co., but the presence of Federer and Stan is what makes this tie come in our list. Federer is coming off a loss at the hands of Djokovic at the US Open final. Stan on the other hand lost to his teammate in the semi-final stage. Stan and Federer have been crucial to the success of the Swiss in Davis Cup, that their presence almost guarantees a win. Hopefully the Dutch can put up a good fight, but it seems quite difficult.

Prediction: Swiss for an easy win.

#5 Spain vs Denmark - Group 1 Europe/Africa Relegation Playoff Round 1

Spanish and Danish team at the official dinner.

Spain has been the most successful Davis Cup team of the last decade. And yet they find themselves in the Zonal Group relegation playoff round 1, thanks to absence of top players and controversy over the appointment of Conchita Martinez as captain of the team. The face Denmark in Odense Idrætshal, hoping to stay in the zonal group for 2016. Spain led by Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, will look for an easy win against the Dane’s who do not have any singles players in the top 200. The tie assumes significance because of two reasons. The presence of Rafael Nadal, who has had a below par season this year, has given Spain a big advantage in the tie. While he has had some uncharacteristic losses this season, the Danes should not trouble him much. But that’s what we thought about Fabio Fognini and Dustin Brown too. Ferrer making himself available for the tie, also meant that Spain was the clear favourite to win this tie. There was unwanted controversy in the early part of the year over the appointment of Conchita Martinez as captain of the Davis Cup team, with some senior players expressing reservations. This tie will be the first involving both sides and it seems to be seen how things turn out. Spain seems to be a clear winner on the court, and unless something strange happens it should be a white wash for the visiting nation

Prediction: Spain for an easy win