LOS ANGELES - Holders Russia are banking on recent form while hosts the United States will pin their hopes on home advantage in this week's Davis Cup final.
Marat Safin (L) listens to Russia's team captain Shamil Tarpishchev during a training session in Moscow, November 29, 2006. Tarpishchev, whose team faces the United States in this weekend's Davis Cup final, compares his job to that of a national soccer team manager before an important World Cup or Euro qualifier. [Agencies] Spearheaded by world number four Nikolay Davydenko, the Russians will be hunting their third Davis Cup title in six years when the three-day tie starts on Friday in Portland, Oregon.
Although the Americans are widely regarded as slight favourites on the slick, indoor surface at Memorial Coliseum, Russia have clearly established a winning formula in the sport's showpiece men's team event.
"I think a team of great coaches the Russians have had is a big factor," said captain Shamil Tarpishchev, who guided Russia to Davis Cup success over Argentina in last year's final in Moscow.
"We have a good foundation so I'm optimistic about the next five to six years."
Apart from Davydenko, Russia will be represented by world number 19 Mikhail Youzhny, Igor Andreev (33rd) and Dmitry Tursunov (34th).
However, Tarpishchev concedes the Americans will be difficult to beat on home soil.
"They have home-court advantage and we'll be playing on a fast surface, which suits both of their singles players (Andy Roddick and James Blake)," he told Reuters.
【体坛英语资讯:US rely on home advantage against Russia】相关文章:
★ 体坛英语资讯:Tyson Gay: The fastest sprinter in Osaka
★ 体坛英语资讯:Russia march on to quarters, Israel beat Croatia
★ 体坛英语资讯:Xing Huina Redemption: Marathoner looks to US coach for second chance
★ 体坛英语资讯:Federer back on track, Roddick into semis
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Malawin court delays Madonna adoption case hearing
★ 体坛英语资讯:China Open: Gonzalez hard tested, host players out
★ 体坛资讯:Tour reels from latest doping scandal
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Ganis re-elected as head of academy handing out Oscar-awards
★ 体坛英语资讯:Host China need consistency to face Russia at FIVB Grand Prix Finals
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Beyonce, Jay-Z marriage become official
最新
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15