Not many Americans besides the avid tennis fans realize, that the largest annual international tennis team competition in world kicks off tomorrow, and the U.S.A is right in the thick of things. I am talking about the Davis Cup, which is the premier international team event in men’s tennis. It’s not a surprise, that tennis has experienced a decline in popularity here in the U.S. and that many people are unaware of this prestigious tournament. The drop in popularity may correspond with the U.S’s humbling 10-year drought in the four biggest tournaments of the season, the grand slams. The 2003 U.S Open was the last time an American male hosted one of the grand slam trophies. Sure Serena Williams has been tearing up the Women’s tour, but she needs help to keep the U.S relevant in tennis.
Leading singles for the U.S will be world number 79 Donald Young. Young had a decent run at the Australian Open, and will look for continued success in Davis Cup. Young is replacing injured giant, John Isner. The U.S will look for Young to step up big, as he will set the stage as he will take on world #6 Andy Murray of Great Britain. Young will have to play some great tennis if he hopes to pull the upset. Playing second singles for team U.S.A will be world #49 ranked Sam Querry. Querry is from California so he will look to have a big home court advantage in his match up against James Ward, world #175 from Great Britain. Each singles player will play both singles players from the respective teams.
Playing doubles for the U.S will be the world’s number one ranked doubles team, the Bryan brothers. They will be taking on, Colin Fleming and Murray from Great Britain. The U.S has won the last four meetings between these nations. The last Great Britain victory over the U.S happened during the 1935 Davis Cup. The U.S. is 11-7 against Great Britain in Davis Cup play.
The two teams tied in 1900, the first tie in Davis Cup history. The tournament actually began that year, as a competition between the two nations, and now has developed into one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
This match-up is going to be very entertaining to watch, not only for the great tennis, but for the unique venue it is being played on. The U.S should look at this match-up as a start of an upwards climb back to the top of the tennis mountain.
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