Countdown to the Masters Cup in Shanghai

The most popular tennis tournament, the Davis CupThe teams' deadline to deliver the final listing is
will host its 61st final in the United States where thescheduled for next Tuesday November 20, date in
USA will host defending champion Russia nextwhich they will give out the nominations for the final
November 30th, 2007. It was in 1992 when the USAmatches between USA and Russia which will take
last congregated a final also winning its first Davisplace from November 30th to December 2nd.
Cup since 1995.McEnroe, USA Captain, did make a statement
Other nations such as: Serbia, Israel, Great Britain,regarding the satisfaction for having such an
Korea Rep. and Peru as well competed in the Worldimportant event being played in the United States I
Group Play offs earning a place in the 2008think they could have sold it out just based on the
championship. On the other hand, the Russian teamUSTA members - the demand for tickets was so
has maintained its high quality performance over thegreat. So we're really excited and looking forward to
latest tournaments such as: Hopman Cup played lastplaying in from of a full house in Portland," as to
January and the Fed Cup played this past weekendhaving Andy Roddick as one of the top players in the
by BNP Paribas, therefore, it is definitely a veryAmerican team.
strong favourite to achieve this year's cup.It was Roddick the player who set the team into the
The final will be viewed by more than 12,000next round; but so it happens it was the final. He
spectators at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland,used his extraordinary game attributes to beat the
Oregon. Both teams do count with well-known tennisSwede and liberated the USA from the Scandinavian
stars it has been confirmed by the Russian team thatjinx. There is no doubt Roddick's reputation as a
Grand Slam Winner; Marat Safin; has decided not toDavis Cup competitor precedes him. His commitment
play in this year's cup as he believes he does notto the team is so evident and strong and this
count with all the fitness required as well as thecertainly gives country fans a breather to know the
mental preparation involved. Russia's hero made hisDavis Cup record holder is on their team. Roddick's
decision as it was stated on his web site "Marathigh spirit goes even further as he commented that
decided right now there are four better players than"If I don't win another match between now and the
him who are in form." Among the games missed outfinal but we win the final, I'll take that."
by Safin were: the semifinals last September againstFor next year and according to the Davis Cup
Germany in Moscow he was also recovering from anRegulations, Russia and USA will be the top seedings
injury but it is still uncertain his full performance in thefor the World Group and will be drawn in reverse
ATP Tour.halves of the draw.