The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Russia to fight it out against U.S.

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Russia to fight it out against U.S.

– PHOTO: AFP

KEY MAN: The home advantage should drive Andy Roddick to bring back the Davis Cup, starting on Friday against Russia, to the U.S.

Portland: Holder Russia is banking on recent form while host the United States will pin its hopes on home advantage in this week’s Davis Cup final. Spearheaded by World No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko, the Russians will be hunting their third Davis Cup title in six years when the three-day tie starts on Friday in Portland, Oregon.

Although the Americans are widely regarded as slight favourites on the slick, indoor surface at Memorial Coliseum, Russia has clearly established a winning formula in the sport’s showpiece men’s team event.

“I think a team of great coaches the Russians have had is a big factor,” said captain Shamil Tarpishchev, who guided Russia to Davis Cup success over Argentina in last year’s final in Moscow. “We have a good foundation so I’m optimistic about the next five to six years.”

Apart from Davydenko, Russia will be represented by World No. 19 Mikhail Youzhny, Igor Andreev (33) and Dmitry Tursunov (34). However, Tarpishchev concedes the Americans will be difficult to beat on home soil. “They have home-court advantage and we’ll be playing on a fast surface, which suits both of their singles players (Andy Roddick and James Blake),” he told Reuters. “I rate our chances 40-60 in favour of the U.S. but you never know. There are so many variables that could have a bearing on the final outcome.”

Davydenko is 0-5 all-time against Roddick and 0-6 lifetime against Blake. Andreev, expected to get the nod in singles, is 0-5 against Blake but 2-1 versus Roddick.

The United States, winner of a record 31 Davis Cup titles, is desperate to taste success for the first time in 12 years.

“This has been such a big goal for us as a team,” inspirational captain Patrick McEnroe said. “Yes, there is pressure but, at the same time, pressure is a privilege.” — Agencies

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