Clay awaits USA in Davis Cup semis

If the Cold War were still being waged, you could read political symbolism into Russia’s choice of indoor clay as the surface for this weekend’s Davis Cup semifinals. In 2006, however, what the red stuff represents is a straightforward strategic gamble, a bet that it favors the home team over the visiting United States.

“The Russians are obviously extremely tough, and doing well here, as well,” U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe said after naming his team — a somewhat anticlimactic act, since the roster hasn’t varied in almost two years — during the U.S. Open. “But I wouldn’t say clay is their best surface. I’d say it’s a surface that they certainly had better results on than we’ve had, but I think they’ve picked a surface more against us rather than for themselves.”

Dirt should fly as players on both sides are bringing newfound momentum, old memories and recent grudges to the event.

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