Martin May Have to Double Up as Czechs Tie U.S. in Davis Cup
Todd Martin is no Pete Sampras--but he might have to be if the defending champion United States wants to beat the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup.
Daniel Vacek’s 22 aces in a five-set victory over MaliVai Washington gave the Czechs a split in Friday’s singles after Martin defeated Petr Korda, 6-2, 6-4, 7-5.
Doubles is set for today, with reverse singles on Sunday. Patrick McEnroe and Patrick Galbraith are set to go against Jiri Novak and Martin Damm, but U.S. captain Tom Gullikson could use Martin--his best doubles player.
In Moscow last year, Gullikson used Sampras in doubles in the final against Russia and the strategy worked.
“Of course, it’s always better to be up 2-0 the first day,” Gullikson added. “The worst thing is to be down 0-2. So I guess we’re right in the middle. Once again, the doubles becomes the all important swing point.”
Vacek defeated Washington, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
The Americans are using their “third team” after Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang and Jim Courier all declined to play.
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