Andreev stuns Gonzalez in Chile
Chile faces an uphill battle to overcome defending cup champions Russia following the sensational upset of Fernando Gonzalez by Igor Andreev. The final score was 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. This win put Russia 2-0 up following the earlier victory by Marat Safin over Nicolas Massu, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Chile is now forced to win the doubles to have any chance of adding to the ten tie home winning streak.
Belgium has got off to a dream start on day one. Kristof Vliegen defeated former world no. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in five sets 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Olivier Rochus was then able to take advantage of the upset win to give Belgium a 2-0 lead when he overcame the big Aussie Chris Guccioni in four sets. This tie could be decided in the firth rubber.
An injury to Rafael Nadal forced him to withdraw from his rubber in the tie against Switzerland. This opened the door for Marco Chudinelli who was able to defeat Nadal’s replacement Fernando Verdasco. If Rafa is not fit enough to play in the reverse singles the doubles match becomes crucial for Spain as if the Swiss get win tomorrow they will think they have a chance to win this tie.
The tie between Germany and Croatia is evenly poised at 1 rubber apiece. Tommy Haas got Germany in front following his victory over Mario Ancic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Ancic went into the match after illness kept him in bed for most of the last three days. Ivan Ljubicic squared things up against Benjamin Becker who made his Davis Cup debut. The German took the first set however was not able to maintain his form and ended losing the match 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. Croatia now has a tough decision about whether or not to play Ancic in doubles. If he does play he may be too tired to play at a good level in the reverse singles.
France is in a strong position following victories to Richard Gasquet over Victor Hanescu in straight sets and Sebastien Grosjean’s five set win over Andrei Pavel. France can wrap up the tie with a win in the doubles.
Andy Roddick put the USA one nil up when he defeated Ivo Minar 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Tomas Berdych hit back with a win over James Blake 6-1, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. The doubles as usual is crucial to the outcome of this tie. The US would be favoured as they have the no. 3 ranked doubles team in the form of the Bryan brothers.
Sweden look to be on track to take out the tie over Belarus as they have gone up 2-0. Robin Soderling defeated Vladimir Voltchkov 6-3, 7-6, 6-1. Thomas Johansson then was too good for Max Mirnyi 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Argentina would also be favoured to win their tie against Austria as they have also gone to a 2 nil lead following wins by Jose Acasuso over Stefan Koubek and Guillermo Canas over Jurgen Melzer. Both matches were comfortable straight sets wins for the Argentine players.
