Friday's Schedule Of Play/USA's TV Schedule/Picks
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Davis Cup
Argentina vs. Russia (Rubber 1) Tennis Channel (L)
R1 - David NALBANDIAN (ARG) v Igor ANDREEV (RUS)
In the least glamorous of the four semifinal matches, David Nalbandian of Argentina takes on Igor Andreev of Russia in their first ever tour meeting. Nalbandian reached a career high ATP Tour ranking of number three two years ago in 2006 and reached the Wimbledon final in 2002. But several injuries saw his ranking drop to the mid-twenties before he was able to rebound this year to his current ranking of seven. Andreev prefers the clay surface, but also took US Open champion to five sets in New York in the fourth round. Nalbandian's experience could pull him through a tough match here.
Pick: David Nalbandian
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Davis Cup
USA vs. Spain (Rubber 1) Versus (L)
R1 - Rafael NADAL (ESP) v Sam QUERREY (USA)
After winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the gold medal in singles at the Beijing Olympics, Rafael Nadal appeared fatigued at the US Open. His surprise loss before the US Open final was unexpected to say the least. If Nadal has had enough time to rest after a long summer, Querrey will find it tough to stay on the baseline with Nadal on a clay court. Nadal has never lost a match at the French Open, winning the title the last four years.
Pick: Rafael Nadal
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Davis Cup
Argentina vs. Russia (Rubber 2) Tennis Channel (L)
R2 - Juan Martin DEL POTRO (ARG) v Nikolay DAVYDENKO (RUS)
Del Potro's a rarity in that he's a South American who lists hardcourts as his favorite surface. The 6 feet, 6 inches tall teenager won four hardcourt titles in a row before the US Open, but today faces one of the most talented players on the tour in Davydenko. But if Del Potro can keep points short, he can overpower Davydenko from the ground and on serve.
Pick: Juan Martin Del Potro
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Davis Cup
USA vs. Spain (Rubber 2) Versus (L)
R2 - David FERRER (ESP) v Andy RODDICK (USA)
Ferrer leads Roddick head to head 3-2. The three wins are all on hardcourts which will not be a positive for Roddick as the match today will be played on a slower claycourt which will favor Ferrer. Ferrer won their last two matches, both on hardcourts. On clay Roddick has not enjoyed much success at all and the odds are not looking good today for him for a breakthrough.
Pick: David Ferrer
Times listed are Eastern Standard Time USA
