The United States and the Czech Republic are locked at 1-1 in the first round of the 2007 Davis Cup. Andy Roddick gave the US an early lead, defeating Ivo Minar 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Round 1. Roddick’s serve was clearly in control, including a flurry of formidable aces. Though Minar played an aggressive game, Roddick spent just as much time at net and held his confidence throughout. “It was a tough match,†Roddick stated, likely a bit relieved to avoid going to five sets. He faces Tomas Berdych in Round 4.
And speaking of Mr. Berdych, he managed to move the Czech Republic into the tying position in Round 2 with his win against James Blake (6-1, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5). With his country down 1-0, the pressure was clearly on Berdych to perform. And perfom he did. Berdych’s dazzling play left Blake little room to think or breathe. Ace and smash though he might (and gorgeously), Blake’s own frustration with himself outwitted him in the end. Hopefully he can get this out of his system before facing Ivo Minar in Round 5.
Next up are the world number one ranked Bryan brothers in Round 3–Bob and Mike take on Lukas Dlouhy and Pavel Vizner in doubles play Saturday. This promises to be an interesting tiebreaker, with two more rounds of world class tennis to follow. Bring it on!
