5 Davis Cup ties to watch out for during the weekend!
The Davis CupDubbed as the world cup of tennis for men, the Davis Cup action resumes this weekend with the World Group Semi-finals along with the World Group Playoffs to decide the World Group for 2016. But unlike other sports, few of the top stars of tennis come out and play for their country on a regular basis. Despite the absence of big names, the Davis Cup still produces quality matches. With the Olympics around the corner, it will also be an opportunity for some players to represent their countries, a pre-requisite for qualification for Rio 2016. Here’s a look into some of the clashes to watch out for from September 18-20 around the world.
#1 Great Britain vs Australia - World Group Semi Final
Australia and Great Britain are two of the most successful teams in Davis Cup history after United States. Their rivalry will be renewed this weekend as they play each other in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in Emirates Arena, Glasgow. For the first time since 1981, Great Britain is in the semi-finals of Davis Cup. Led by World Number 3 Andy Murray and his brother Jamie Murray who recently reached the US Open Doubles final, many see this as Britain’s best chance to reach a Davis Cup final and even win it, something not done since 1936. In the semis of the Davis Cup for the first time since 2005, the Australians would have the experience of veteran Lleyton Hewitt, in addition to the service of young guns, Kokkinakas, Groth and Tomic. They would be aiming to reach the final and give a memorable farewell to Lleyton Hewitt, who would be retiring after the Australian Open next year. A constant figure at Davis Cup ties, Hewitt has become one of the most successful Davis Cup players in history for Australia. While he is expected to play doubles in the tie, his services may be called upon should Australia find themselves tied at 2-2 on the final day
The match to look forward to in the tie has to be Murray – Tomic. Murray leads their head to head 2-0 with both matches being a walk in the park for him. However, the five set format and the fact that playing for your country tends to bring the best out in players may make the affair interesting. It remains to be seen if the Murray brothers would team up for the doubles on Saturday. Australia leads the head to head 8-4, but the two nations haven’t played each other in a while. Be sure to catch the action when the two meet to renew one of the greatest sporting rivalries this weekend
Prediction: Great Britain to win