The Countdown...

‘The Countdown…’ to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group first round, which is taking place from 5-7 March, brings you all the latest news in the lead-up to the action getting under way.

3 MARCH

Beware of big servers

Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic and Marin Cilic possess an average height of 6’ 8” - quite a scary prospect - and it’s no secret that the tie in Varazdin will be a serving fest.

“We know that the service of Karlovic and Cilic on this type of surface will be very difficult,” said Raul Viver, the captain of Ecuador.

“Without any doubt, the most important piece of the match will be the service and the return of the service. But we have to focus on our game.”

2 MARCH

’Honour’ for Isner

John Isner, who is set to make his debut in Belgrade, has said it’s an “honour to be on the team” ahead of USA’s tie against Serbia. He was talking at the pre-draw press conference.

Also in the press conference, the Bryan brothers declared they would have gladly played their song Autograph had a keyboard been handy. Unfortunately - or fortunately, depending on which way you look at it - there were no instruments available!

Davydenko doubt

Shamil Tarpischev has indicated that Nikolay Davydenko, who is nursing a wrist injury, may not be fit for the visit of India. Igor Andreev, if required, will be his likely replacement.

“His participation is in doubt," said Tarpischev. "I would say his chances are very, very small. We have a home-court advantage, it's a slow court so our chances are still very good."

1 MARCH

Early replacements

Nicolas Almagro has come into Spain’s team to face Switzerland in Logrono’s 11,000 capacity bullring. He takes the place of the injured Juan Carlos Ferrero, who suffered a knee injury in the final of last week’s Mexico Open.

Juan Monaco has also been forced out of Argentina’s side, after picking up an injury against Ferrero in the Mexico Open semifinal. He makes way for Federico Del Bonis, a Davis Cup debutante.

Del Bonis, if selected, won’t be the only Argentine making his debut against Sweden. Horacio Zeballos and Eduardo Schwank have also never previously played, while Leonardo Mayer has contested just one rubber.

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