Davis Cup: Czech Rep. vs Australia Preview & Prediction

Men’s tennis is in its golden era right now. Some of the best players ever have created amazing rivalries and are setting records left and right. Tennis is a worldwide sport along the same lines as golf and football (soccer). Davis Cup has not caught on as strongly as the World Cup, but its popularity is on the rise.

Davis Cup has not caught on as strongly as the World Cup, but its popularity is on the rise.

As this week moves on and the anticipation rises, Lob & Smash is pleased to offer you previews and predictions of each Davis Cup tie in the World Group. To see the breakdown of the 2015 Davis Cup draw, click here.

Other Davis Cup Round 1 Previews

Tuesday: Belgium vs Switzerland, Canada vs Japan

Wednesday: Serbia vs Croatia, Argentina vs Brazil

Thursday: Kazakhstan vs Italy, Czech Republic vs. Australia

Friday: Great Britain vs United States, Germany vs France

Davis Cup: Czech Rep. vs Australia Preview & Prediction

Location: Ostrava, Czech Republic

Surface: Indoor Hard

Captains: Jaroslav Navratil (CZE) & Wally Masur (AUS)

Czech Republic	Age	Singles Ranking	Doubles Ranking	Australia	Age	Singles Ranking	Doubles Ranking
Lukas Rosol	29	31	43	Bernard Tomic	22	38	434
Jiri Vesely	21	45	106	Sam Groth	27	69	28
Jan Mertl	33	218	492	Lleyton Hewitt	34	98	101
Adam Pavlasek	20	247	288	Thanasi Kokkinakas	18	133	285

As the defending Davis Cup champions, the Czech Republic lost to a strong French team last year at Roland Garros. Rosol is 9-5 in Davis Cup play. Vesely is a strong up-and-comer, but only has played in four Davis Cup ties. Mertl and Pavlasek have never appeared in Davis Cup. The team has little experience and Rosol and vesely will have to carry the load.

This year’s Australian team is a very interesting one for the 28-time champions. Kyrgios is unable to play due to injury, but the team is still strong. They will be lead by veteran Davis Cup master Hewitt. It will be interesting to see how Masur will utilize Hewitt, who has an 56-18 record in his 38 Davis Cup ties over the last 16 years. Hewitt is the third ranked player on the team, but will probably play singles with Tomic due to his experience. If Australian sweeps the first day, Masur will be free to get everyone into the tie. If not, he will have a difficult decision on Sunday. In the end, the Aussies will just be too deep to overcome.

Prediction: Australia, 4-1

Next: ATP Tennis Power Rankings

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