Familiar names to lead USA in Swiss tie

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:21

Andy Roddick, James Blake and the top-ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan reunite this weekend when the US hosts Switzerland in the first round.

It is this same line-up that led the country to a record 32nd Davis Cup title in 2007 with a win over Russia in the final.

The US will be home for the best-of-five tie, set to begin Friday and conclude Sunday, at Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

“The tennis fans in Alabama are in for something special,” said Patrick McEnroe, the longest serving US Davis Cup captain at nine years.

“There is nothing in tennis, or sport, like a Davis Cup match. It’s a tough assignment at home, so crowd support will certainly be an advantage for us.”

While McEnroe is taking nothing for granted, his squad will be favoured to overcome a Swiss team without Roger Federer.

The world number two and 13-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the tie last month to rest a nagging back injury.

That leaves the 16th-ranked Stanislas Wawrinka as the only top-100 player on the Swiss team. Joining Wawrinka will be Stephane Bohli (ranked 143), Marco Chudinelli (341) and doubles specialist Yves Allegro.

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