Al-Ahram Weekly On-line
15 - 21 February 2001
Issue No.521
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 Current issue | Previous issue | Site map

Out cold

FOR THE first time since 1993, the United States was knocked out of the Davis Cup in the first round. The defeat was inflicted by Switzerland after it beat the United States 3-2 as Patrick McEnroe began his term as American captain with an embarrassing loss. Teenager Roger Federer ensured victory for Switzerland with a 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 win over Jan-Michael Gambill. The singles final, in which 18-year-old Andy Roddick downed George Bastl 6-3, 6-4, was a consolation win for the US.

The Americans replaced one McEnroe with another in hopes of changing their fortunes, with Patrick taking over for brother John as captain. But with Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras declining to play the opening round, they again had to rely on backup players who came up short.

The elimination of the United States was not the biggest upset. That dubious honour went to Spain, which was defeated only two months after the country's first Davis Cup title. Spain, a 5-0 winner over the United States in last year's semi-finals, was also eliminated over the weekend after losing to The Netherlands 4-1 in their best-of-five series. Already ahead 3-0 after Saturday's doubles, The Netherlands made it 4-0 when Jan Siemerink beat Juan Balcells 6-7, 6-4, 7-6. Carlos Moya's 6-4, 7-6 victory over Raemon Sluiter became meaningless.

Morocco, the only Arab representative in the Davis Cup, was soundly beaten by Brazil. Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, the world's number 1 last year, and Fernando Meligeni ousted the Moroccans 4-1. Brazil now faces Australia. Morocco must win all three remaining matches to qualify.

In other Davis Cup action, it was Germany 3, Romania 2; Russia 3, Slovakia 2; Sweden 3, the Czech Republic 2; Australia 4, Ecuador 1; France 5, Belgium 0.

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