The first round of the Davis Cup takes place this weekend as a Roger Federer led Switzerland team faces the United States, while Germany meet Argentina and Canada take on France.
Switzerland (5.500 To Win Davis Cup @
PinnacleSports) host the USA (27.420) between February 10th and 12th, in what is expected to be the highlight of the Davis Cup first round.
The home side will undoubtedly rely on the skills of Federer, by far the best player for either side. When the Swiss last overcame the USA (back in 2001), it was Federer who engineered the victory, winning all three rubbers.
Aside from that win, the US have won every other time the two sides have met, including in 2009 when Federer was absent. This year's Team USA boasts no outstanding players, although world number eight Mardy Fish had a fine season last year and Mike Bryan forms one half of the doubles world number one.
The Americans boast a consistent lineup, with no player ranked lower than 100. Even 96th, ranked Ryan Harrison is a rising star, who should jump up the rankings this season. Switzerland's lowest ranked player is Michael Lammer, at 254.
The clay courts should help the Swiss, considering most American players are reared on hardcourts.
With a home-advantage and Juan Martin Del Potro out of the Argentina team (6.810), this might be the year for Germany (31.490) to finally beat the South Americans – a task they have managed just once in 75 years.
The home side have relied on an assortment of singles players, led by top-ranked Florian Mayer (21). He will be backed up by Philipp Kohlschreiber (33), Philipp Petzschner (56) and Tommy Haas (170).
Last year's finalists have to make do without their top player Del Potro, but can still boast quality in Juan Ignacio Chela (25), Juan Monaco (29), David Malbandian (86) and Eduardo Schwank (157).
Finally, with all four players inside the top 50, France (5.140) are firm favourites to progress past Canada (112.750) when the two teams meet this weekend.
The nations have met just once before (in 1966), when France demolished the North Americans 5-0. A similar scoreline is expected this time, with France reaching the semi-finals last year and Canada only just reaching the World Group.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (6), Gael Monfils (13), Julien Benneteau (36) and Michael Llodra (43) make up the French side; Canada has Milos Raonic (28), Vasek Pospisil (120), Frank Dancevic (159) and Daniel Nestor (Doubles 3).
