Davis Cup – Men’s Friday Preview

Richard Gasquet vs. Florian Mayer

Richard Gasquet will take on Florian Mayer on Friday in the opening matchup of the France v Germany Davis Cup quarter-final.
This year’s Davis Cup quarter-final draw has pitted France against Germany, for what promises to be one of the most exciting ties of the competition. Germany, searching for their first win against France in this competition since 1938, will surely be keen to clinch victory here. That said, France’s team boasts a huge amount of talent, including three players ranked inside the top fifteen.
The opening clash in this fixture will be a singles match between world No. 11 Richard Gasquet of France, and world No. 20 Florian Mayer of Germany. Gasquet has enjoyed a good start to the year, and he’s once again established himself as one of the game’s best players. He hasn’t won a title yet this season, but his 26-13 match record is amongst the most impressive on the Tour. Mayer appears to be at the height of his powers right now, and his 30-16 match record for the season is also worthy of respect. The 27 year-old is really making a name for himself this year, and it will be fascinating to see just how far he can ascend through the rankings.

Any matchup between this pairing is worth keeping an eye on, and the fact that they are meeting in a Davis Cup quarter-final only adds to the excitement. This contest should provide a fitting opening to what should turn out to be a memorable Davis Cup tie.

Gael Monfils vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber

Gael Monfils will meet Philipp Kohlschreiber on Friday in the second clash in the France v Germany Davis Cup quarter-final.
Gael Monfils is set to take on Philipp Kohlschreiber in the France v Germany Davis Cup tie on Friday, in what could be a crucial contest. The pairing will step on court following the conclusion of the opening matchup between Richard Gasquet and Florian Mayer, and the result of both matches will have a huge bearing on the rest of the tie.
Monfils is currently the world No. 7, and his incredible athleticism should give him the advantage on Friday. The Frenchman is yet to win a title this year, but the fact that he’s only lost 7 of his 25 matches this season really stands out. He performed superbly in this year’s French Open, and with this tie being played on clay he’s surely in with a good chance.
That said, Kohlschreiber will be eager to impress in front of the home crowd. The effect of this shouldn’t be understated, as Kohlschreiber’s sole title this season was won in Halle on home soil. The German may well be the underdog, but he’s got enough about him to make this a difficult match for Monfils.

Novak Djokovic vs. Ervin Eleskovic

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic takes on Davis Cup debutante Ervin Eleskovic in the second singles rubber on day one of Serbia's tie with Sweden.

Few players would have turned out for their country just days after winning their first Wimbledon title but Novak Djokovic's commitment to the Serbian Davis Cup cause has never been in doubt. Their triumph in the competition last year was one of the biggest moments in Serbia's brief sporting history and cemented Djokovic's place as a national hero.

“Davis Cup is always important,” Djokovic said. “Me being here proves enough how I value this competition and how much I like playing for my country.”

Unfortunately for Sweden's Eleskovic (who was actually born in Serbia), there is little chance of him catching Djokovic cold. The world number one headed straight from the lawns of SW19 to join his team-mates at a training camp and despite being overwhelming favourites going into this quarter-final tie, they are taking it deadly seriously.

Eleskovic was a top junior but he has found the transition to the senior ranks tough and at the age of 24, he's currently ranked 355 and making his Davis Cup debut.

It's a baptism by fire in the competition but Eleskovic is relishing his chance. “It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “It’s my first time playing Davis Cup for Sweden in front of a home crowd and to be playing the Wimbledon champion and world No. 1 Novak – it really is like a dream.”

He actually holds a previous win over the three-time Grand Slam champion, beating him in a junior tournament in France at the age of 12. However Djokovic still remembers that defeat and is very keen to erase the memory tomorrow.

Viktor Troicki vs. Michael Ryderstedt

Viktor Troicki aims to put Serbia one step closer to the Davis Cup semi-finals when he takes on Michael Ryderstedt on Friday afternoon.

In the absence of Robin Soderling, Sweden's hopes lie with Ryderstedt, the powerful but erratic left-hander. Ryderstedt has been close to the top 100 in the past but has never quite fulfilled his natural talent and he's currently ranked down at 287.

Captain Thomas Enqvist will be hoping against hope that he can inspire something special from his man but with Ryderstedt making his Davis Cup debut against the world number 16 it seems unlikely.

Troicki has vast amounts of experience in the competition and played a crucial role in Serbia's success last year. He won the decisive fifth rubber of their final against France and then won both singles rubbers in March to ensure his country did not suffer any embarassment in their opening round tie with India  Not only that but he's enjoying a fine year on the ATP Tour, reaching the fourth round of the French Open last month.

In contrast, Ryderstedt did not even make the cut for the Wimbledon qualifying competition, instead losing in the first round of a futures event in Spain to a player ranked 301.