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Rediff.com  » Sports » Roddick, Blake to lead US against France

Roddick, Blake to lead US against France

March 28, 2008 09:11 IST
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The United States will rely on the same quartet that won last year's Davis Cup when they face France in next month's quarter-final, captain Patrick McEnroe said on Thursday.

Andy Roddick, James Blake, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan will participate in their record tenth consecutive tie together, said McEnroe.

"These guys have been amazing in their commitment to playing for their country and playing Davis Cup," McEnroe told a teleconference. "I give them all the credit in the world."

The best-of-five tie will be played on a fast Premiere hard court, which McEnroe said should help the Americans, and take place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on April 11-13.

Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, has a 27-9 record in Davis Cup singles, while James is 15-8. The Bryan brothers, the top doubles team in the world, are 14-1.

The four beat Russia 4-1 in the 2007 championship tie.

"I'm thrilled we're going to be able to play a match at home as the champions," said McEnroe. "That was something I was really hoping we'd be able to do this year.

"Obviously, I'm hoping we can win it again. But I really wanted the guys to come out in a home tie as the Davis Cup champs."

France is expected to counter with eighth-ranked Richard Gasquet and Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in singles, and Wimbledon champions Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra in doubles.

"They're all dangerous," McEnroe said of the French squad. "Each match individually could be a Grand Slam semi-final. Each side could make an argument they could win each match.

"I don't think there's one particular player we're worried about. We're worried about all of them."

McEnroe said Mardy Fish, who defeated world number one Roger Federer in straight sets at Indian Wells last week, will be a reserve player and practice with the team.

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Source: REUTERS
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