Countdown to the Masters Cup in Shanghai

Countdown to the Masters Cup in Shanghai by Claudia Beckford

The most popular tennis tournament, the Davis Cup will host its 61st final in the United States where the USA will host defending champion Russia next November 30th, 2007. It was in 1992 when the USA last congregated a final also winning its first Davis Cup since 1995.

Other nations such as: Serbia, Israel, Great Britain, Korea Rep. and Peru as well competed in the World Group Play offs earning a place in the 2008 championship. On the other hand, the Russian team has maintained its high quality performance over the latest tournaments such as: Hopman Cup played last January and the Fed Cup played this past weekend by BNP Paribas, therefore, it is definitely a very strong favourite to achieve this year’s cup.

The final will be viewed by more than 12,000 spectators at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. Both teams do count with well-known tennis stars it has been confirmed by the Russian team that Grand Slam Winner; Marat Safin; has decided not to play in this year’s cup as he believes he does not count with all the fitness required as well as the mental preparation involved. Russia’s hero made his decision as it was stated on his web site "Marat decided right now there are four better players than him who are in form." Among the games missed out by Safin were: the semifinals last September against Germany in Moscow he was also recovering from an injury but it is still uncertain his full performance in the ATP Tour.

The teams’ deadline to deliver the final listing is scheduled for next Tuesday November 20, date in which they will give out the nominations for the final matches between USA and Russia which will take place from November 30th to December 2nd.

McEnroe, USA Captain, did make a statement regarding the satisfaction for having such an important event being played in the United States I think they could have sold it out just based on the USTA members – the demand for tickets was so great. So we’re really excited and looking forward to playing in from of a full house in Portland,” as to having Andy Roddick as one of the top players in the American team.

It was Roddick the player who set the team into the next round; but so it happens it was the final. He used his extraordinary game attributes to beat the Swede and liberated the USA from the Scandinavian jinx. There is no doubt Roddick’s reputation as a Davis Cup competitor precedes him. His commitment to the team is so evident and strong and this certainly gives country fans a breather to know the Davis Cup record holder is on their team. Roddick’s high spirit goes even further as he commented that “If I don’t win another match between now and the final but we win the final, I’ll take that.”

For next year and according to the Davis Cup Regulations, Russia and USA will be the top seedings for the World Group and will be drawn in reverse halves of the draw.

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