DAVIS CUP – Men’s Preview

Andy Roddick vs. Feliciano Lopez

Andy Roddick has the chance to avenge his Wimbledon defeat against Feliciano Lopez in the Davis Cup later today.

Roddick was crushed by his shock 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 third round loss to the Spaniard, the first time Lopez had defeated him in eight matches. It came as a big surprise to everyone especially as Roddick had defeated him at Queens just a couple of weeks earlier. Now, if Mardy Fish defeats David Ferrer in the first rubber of the day, they could be competing with a place in the Davis Cup semi-finals at stake.

Roddick lost in straight sets by Ferrer on day one but the American had his chances, blowing a 5-3 lead in the opener and then a 3-0 lead in set two.

Lopez in contrast won a thrilling five setter against American number one Fish 8-6 in the deciding set, one of his finest victories ever in the competition and more than justifying his captain's decision to put him in ahead of the higher ranked Fernando Verdasco.

Roddick leads Lopez 7-1 in their head-to-head but the big question will be whether he can banish the memories of a fortnight ago.