Davis Cup Wordplay: Circling the Globe in Quotes

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Davis Cup Wordplay: Circling the Globe in Quotes

By Chris Oddo

(September 16, 2012) – Join us for a look back at the Davis Cup weekend that was, in the words of the players who made the magic happen.

“It’s not impossible to win in Argentina, as we proved.” – Tomas Berdych, after his tie-clinching victory over Carlos Berlocq on Sunday marked the first time that Argentina lost a tie on clay at home since 1998.

Czech Republic defeated Argentina 3-2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

“You can see he’s a guy who never gives up, he’s a warrior, he’s a gladiator.” – First-year Spanish Davis Cup captain Alex Corretja, speaking of David Ferrer, who raised his career record to 16-0 on clay in Davis Cup play. The Spanish will face the Czechs in the final on the road in mid November.

Spain defeated the United States 3-1 in Gijon, Spain

“It’s the spin and speed he puts on the ball that stand out. I can hit a ball ten centimetres from his baseline and he gets it back deep into my court, with no trouble at all. When he hits the ball ten centimetres from my baseline, it’s a totally different shot and I’m barely able to keep the ball in play. It’s a joy to watch, really. Unless it’s you on the court.” – Robin Haase on the artful stylings of Roger Federer, after meeting Federer for the first time on Sunday.

Switzerland defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

“I feel too nervous. It was much better when I had to play because I could fight and try to win. Now I almost die outside the court.” – Gustavo Kuerten, who was in attendance to watch Brazil return to the World Group for the first time in nine years, and actually practiced with members of the Brazilian team.

Brazil defeated Russia 5-0 in Sao Jose de Rio Preto, Brazil

"Um, his is bigger. It's hard for me to admit that but I'm going to have to swallow my pride and just give that to him." – South Africa’s 21-year-old Nikala Scholtz, known for his big serves, upon experiencing the thunderous offerings of Canada’s Milos Raonic this weekend.

Canada defeated South Africa 4-1, in Montreal, Canada

"We had so many good players in the 80s and 90s. I don't know why we're not producing those players right now but hopefully in another 5-10 years we'll be back." – Sweden’s Markus Eriksson, on the fate of the Swedish team, which only won one set in five rubbers against the Belgians this weekend.

Belgium defeated Sweden 5-0 in Brussels, Belgium

"After the way I played Friday, I knew anything was possible.” Amir Weintraub, World No. 223, who defeated two top 100 (Go Soeda and Tatsuma Ito) players to help Israel defeat Japan in Tokyo.

Israel defeated Japan 3-2 in Tokyo, Japan

“He got outplayed. He’s just got to learn to find a way of getting back into matches and find a way to upset the other player. He’s learning and he’ll get there.” – Patrick Rafter, on the play of Bernard Tomic, who lost the fourth rubber against Florian Mayer 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in Germany today.

Germany defeated Australia 3-2 in Hamburg, Germany

“A little bit. First game after he came I just played disaster. I was so nervous.” – Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin, speaking about the arrival of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan, during his tie-clinching match against Denis Istomin.

Kazakhstan defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in Astana, Kazakhstan

“Finally, I won — that’s important.” – Fabio Fognini, after finishing off his win against Paul Capdeville of Chile that was suspended in the fifth set on Friday due to darkness.

Italy defeated Chile 4-1 in Naples, Italy

(Photo Credit: AFP)