Davis Cup Team Announced!

James Blake will again join Andy Roddick and the Bryan Brothers on USA’s Davis Cup team in the quarterfinal against Chile on April 7-9. Captain Patrick McEnroe also announced the two junior hitting partners will be Sam Querrey and Tim Smyczek, and that Dean Goldfine will gladly step up if Pat becomes a father sooner than expected. The quarterfinal will be held in Rancho Mirage, California in Mission Hills.

The first question off the bat was about Andy and how he’s feeling like the “Old Andy” again, hitting his serves and shots well. Captain McEnroe has seen Andy’s matches here in Miami, and thinks nothing but good things.

“He’s looking good and serving well. He’s relaxed and calm in a positive way. Andy’s our ‘go-to guy’ and he has been since I’ve been coaching the Davis Cup team, six years now,” commented Captain McEnroe in the announcement conference call. He would love to see Andy win in Miami to keep his confidence rising and to have a shot at some of the big guys, such as Federer.

The team chose grass as their playing surface as both an advantage over Chile and because of their success and comfort on it. Even though Andy has had a “rough few months,” Captain McEnroe had no doubt in his mind that Andy could handle and perform at his best on this surface in this quarterfinal.

“Andy is a consistent top five player. Has he had a tough stretch? Yes. Do I know that and so does he? Yes. Will he turn it around? Yes. Does he have a great grass court record? Yes. Has he played well at Wimbledon the past few years? Yes.” Andy’s in the process of turning things around which is evident to everyone who has seen him play even for just five minutes this past week.

Even though Agassi couldn’t be a part of the team due to his recurring back injury, there will always be an open door to Agassi if he wishes to be a part of the team in the future. With James Blake as the other’s singles player, his career has skyrocketed right into the top ten and he is now the second best American player.

“James has an explosive game and the confidence is there,” noted Captain McEnroe. “I am extremely pleased with how he’s performed this past month- I’m not surprised he’s playing this well.” After James won the title in Vegas, it’s apparent that Chile is going to have a tough time surpassing this American Dream Team.

“I expect it to be tough, I expect Chile to play their best,” noted Captain McEnroe. Gonzalez made it to the quarters on Wimbledon last year, so he’s no stranger to a grass court, and Massu moves well and has a big forehand. The American Dream Team is ready for them, though.

Tickets are still on sale as the ten day countdown begins for this Davis Cup tie against Chile in California. Go to www.daviscup.com for more tie information, team statistics, and event tickets. Go USA!