It seems like only a few weeks ago, when Andy Roddick, James Blake and the Bryan Brothers defeated the Russians to reclaim the Davis Cup for US in Portland, Oregon. Their first since 1995. First on home turf since the 80s. Last weekend, I turned on Tennis Channel and saw live tennis with Roddick/Blake and Bryans again, playing Austria. Apparently the Davis Cup qtrs had started already. IMO, it is way too soon and by having it annually, it takes away the glory of winning the cup a bit. Davis Cup is a team sport and it requires dedication of professional players to take time out of their schedule and play for their country. Roddick, Blake and Bryans are all top notch world class players who have consistently commits to play the Davis Cup. They get some measly money from USTA for playing it, but mostly they play it out of patriotism. If tennis wants more fans, Davis Cup should held once every four years, or at least once every 2 years. World Cup Soccer, anyone? This makes the tournament a lot more special and appealing to an average fan, and it makes the victory even sweeter!
Speaking of Davis Cup, one of the Saturdays in late Oct last year, I was wrapping up my cardio tennis at USTA NTC. Three guys walks on to my court and 'kicked' us off. It was Andy Roddick, Justin Gimelstob and Patrick McEnroe. Everyone in my class were shocked. I actually asked Patty Mac if this is Davis Cup practice. "Yup, Davis Cup, right here baby!" was his response. Andy was standoffish and Justin seems barely awake. Connie and I stayed and watched them practice for a while and left. Watching 150mph serve this close is a pretty rare thing.
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