 Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 05 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 05 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 05 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 05 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 05 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 05 Mar 2009 |
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| 05 Mar 2009 - Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena, Birmingham, AL. - Craig Gabriel | |
| Blake to open in Birmingham |
The United States starts its campaign for a 33rd Davis Cup by BNP Paribas title by playing Switzerland at home in Birmingham, Alabama. This weekend marks the first time that the state of Alabama, in the deep south, has hosted a Davis Cup tie.
The city itself was a major steel manufacturing centre but it no longer holds such a high position in industry. The city’s symbol is the Roman god of fire Vulcan which represented the fact that fire was such an integral part of steel making.
The nearly 16,000 locals will be showing their steely support and their fiery enthusiasm for Patrick McEnroe’s team when they face a side that has been dented by the absence of Roger Federer who had to withdraw because of a sore back.
USA’s good home record
The USA has won 12 of its last 13 home ties; their only defeat being in the opening round in 2005, the last time they lost at this stage and even though Federer is not here, the home team will not be taking things lightly.
This marks the 11th time in 12 ties that McEnroe has been able to assemble the same team – Andy Roddick, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan.
The full draw is as follows:
Friday
James Blake (USA) v Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
Andy Roddick (USA) v Marco Chiudinelli (SUI)
Saturday
Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA) v Yves Allegro/Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
Sunday
Andy Roddick (USA) v Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
James Blake (USA) v Marco Chiudinelli (SUI)
Blake up first
The tie will open with 29-year-old James Blake taking on Stanislas Wawrinka who takes over from Federer as the Swiss No. 1 for this series. This will be the third meeting between them and the Swiss has won the two before but both were on clay.
“The court is not playing as fast as I thought it would,” said Wawrinka. “I like the way it is playing.”
The second singles has Roddick facing Marco Chiudinelli and it’s a first time match. Roddick is aiming to win his 30th Davis Cup singles match which would put him level with Andre Agassi and second only to John McEnroe among American Davis Cup players.
"Davis Cup is always a little bit different” – Roddick
“There’s always a bit more on the line in Davis Cup,” said Roddick who is sporting a new Mohawk hairstyle. “It’s a different kind of pressure. You’re not playing for selfish motives entirely and it’s always a little bit different.”
The doubles rubber on day two will have Bob and Mike Bryan playing Yves Allegro and Stanislas Wawrinka, who won the Olympic doubles gold medal with Federer.
The reverse singles on day three will be Roddick and Wawrinka first with Blake and Chiudinelli to close the series.
Related Links on other websites
> Information from USTA
> Infos en francais- Swiss Tennis
Related Links on Daviscup.com
> Tie Information
Related Audio
 Interview with Andy Roddick (USA) - draw day
Interview with Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) - draw day
Interview with James Blake (USA) - draw day
Interview with Swiss captain Severin Luthi- draw day
Interview with USA captain Patrick McEnroe - draw day
Interview with Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) - draw day
Interview with Bob and Mike Bryan (USA) - draw day
 
If you cannot hear the audio, then please update your media player by following one of the links above.
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