Stanislas Wawrinka, fresh from his Australian Open triumph, turns his mind to affairs of national importance this weekend as he leads Switzerland into battle against last season’s beaten finalists Serbia in the Davis Cup World Group first round.
In last Sunday’s final in Melbourne, the new world No.3 captured his first Grand Slam title with a four-set upset of Rafael Nadal.
Nadal, the world No.1 is one of a clutch of stars missing from this weekend’s opening round of the venerable 114-year-old competition.
While Nadal and world No.5 David Ferrer skip Spain’s tie with Germany in Frankfurt, Serbia must face Wawrinka’s Switzerland without Novak Djokovic.
The Swiss in contrast are looking strong as along with the in-form Wawrinka they boast Roger Federer, who confirmed his presence on Wednesday.
Argentina meanwhile face Italy without their top player, Juan Martin Del Potro, knocked out in the second round at Melbourne.
Djokovic had already signalled his intention not to play at Novi Sad before his quarter-final loss to Wawrinka last week.
With Janko Tipsarevic (injured) and Viktor Troicki (suspended) also out, Serb captain Bogdan Obradovic is fielding untested youngsters Dusan Lajovic, Filip Krajinovic and Ilija Bozoljac with veteran Nenad Zimonjic set to play in the doubles.
In Ostrava, Thomas Berdych, the semi-final victim of Wawrinka’s at Melbourne Park, leads the Czechs into battle against the Dutch, returning to the Davis Cup fast lane for the first time since 2009.
Czech captain Jaroslav Navratil is upbeat over his team’s prospects
“We hope to continue our recent run of results,” said Navratil, whose team beat Spain in the 2012 final and then defeated Serbia to retain their crown in Belgrade late last year.
“Berdych is in great form. He is serving brilliantly and is very strong from the baseline.”
Australia make their return to the World Group after a seven-year absence, against France on the indoor clay courts of La Roche sur Yon.
The Aussies last won the title in 2003 – in 2001 they fell at the final hurdle to France in Nice.
The hosts will start favourites with Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga both ranked in the top 10. Lleyton Hewitt will lead the way for the Australians along with exciting teenagers Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
On the red outdoor clay at San Diego’s Petco Park, Great Britain’s Andy Murray leads his team into battle against the US in a re-run of the first ever Davis Cup tie at Boston’s Longwood Cricket club in 1900.
Great Britain captain Leon Smith said last week: “We’re relishing the opportunity to compete in the world group once again, and I’m delighted that Andy is able to play in the tie.”
American number two Sam Querrey is taking heart from his victory over Murray at the ATP final in Los Angeles in 2010.
“At least I’ve beaten him one time, so that gives me a little belief that I can do it again,” he commented.
In other ties, Belgium face Kazakhstan in Astana, and Canada take on Japan in Tokyo.
