AFTER previewing each of the 18 Davis Cup Finals nations, Rookie Me Central will now preview each of the six groups to determine how the early stages of the tournament might go. We continue by taking a look at Group E, where Italy will look to advance to the next stage in front of home fans against USA and Colombia.
>> USA DAVIS CUP PREVIEW
>> ITALY DAVIS CUP PREVIEW
>> COLOMBA DAVIS CUP PREVIEW
GROUP E
Heading over to Turin, Italy where the ATP Finals were held, the home nation will be hoping to take down top group seed, and world number fives, United States. The Italians have loaded up on singles players but a late withdrawal to top ranked talent Berrettini opened the door to include Top 25 doubles veteran Bolelli. Ironically it might increase their chances of winning and having less pressure on the doubles, though losing a player of Berrettini’s quality can never be replaced easily.
The United States at least have the fourth ranked Ram at their disposal, with the 37-year-old taking over from the stranglehold that the Bryan brothers had for so many years in the national team. Unfortunately for Ram, he will likely pair with the 149th ranked Sock, and will hope to overcome the dominant Colombian doubles duo of Cabal and Farah. Isner and Opelka will look to impose with their serve, and Fritz is a solid talent, but whether or not they can match the likes of Sonego and Sinner is more unlikely than likely. If they can grab a singles win, then they will be in the box seat for the doubles, whilst against Colombia two singles wins are needed as to not rely on the doubles pairing.
Colombia will heavily rely on its doubles pairing of former world number ones Cabal and Farah. The only pair in the group who consistently play together, the cohesion of the duo will make it near impossible for the other nations to overcome them. Still ranked 10th in the world, they will certainly ensure Colombia comes away with a match win, but as for a tie victory, it is hard to envision. The two singles players of Galan (102nd) and Mejia (276th) are well below the Top 30 players in the other nations, and will be punching well above their weight. If they do cause a stunning upset, then it is game on with the doubles likely to fall their way.
PREDICTION:
1st Italy
2nd USA
3rd Colombia
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