NAN-S-13
Preview
Abuja, Feb. 1, 2018 (NAN) Tennis action shifts to the Davis Cup this weekend, just days after the conclusion of the Australian Open.
Defending champions France start their campaign at home to the Netherlands, while record 32-time winners U.S. travel to Serbia.
Big names are missing from this week’s first round of matches.
Australian Open champion Roger Federer and injured compatriot Stan Wawrinka, who were key men in Switzerland’s 2014 title success, miss the trip to Kazakhstan.
Also sidelined are injured Novak Djokovic, who sits out Serbia’s home tie with the U.S., Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, who both miss the clash between Spain and Britain.
However, world number three, Marin Cilic who was defeated by Federer in Melbourne on Sunday, leads Croatia’s challenge at home to Canada.
Cilic can equal Ivan Ljubicic’s record for most Davis Cup match wins by a Croatian player if he wins three rubbers this weekend.
He has a 33-16 win-loss record in doubles and singles.
France host the Netherlands at Albertville, boasting a 10-0 record in the tournament over their European rivals since their first meeting 93 years ago.
In 2017, France equalled Great Britain in third place on the list for most Davis Cup titles after winning the title for the 10th time by beating Belgium 3-2 in the final.(NAN)
KIA/ERO/MZA/OLAL
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Maharazu Ahmed/Olawale Alabi)