PORTLAND, Oregon (AFP) - The United States have reasserted their Davis Cup dominance, earning their 32nd title with a 4-1 triumph over Russia in the 2007 World Group final.
But captain Patrick McEnroe's close-knit squad of Andy Roddick, James Blake and Bob and Mike Bryan, who claimed America's first Davis Cup crown in 12 years, were barely done celebrating when they began looking ahead to the difficult task of retaining the title in 2008.
"It's not impossible to repeat," McEnroe said. "Look at the Russians - they reached the final this year after winning last year. It's difficult, but not impossible."
"I think this team is really dangerous," said Bob Bryan, who teamed with twin brother Mike to crush Igor Andreev and Nikolay Davydenko 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-2 in doubles and secure the victory on Saturday.
The Bryans had the chance to clinch the Cup thanks to singles victories on Friday by Andy Roddick and James Blake.
Roddick beat Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, and James Blake beat Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/3).
With the tie decided, Roddick sat out the reverse singles and Andreev beat Bob Bryan 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), then Blake rounded out the 4-1 victory by beating Tursunov 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
Sweden were the last country to win back-to-back titles, in 1997-98. Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev predicted that trend toward diversity will continue.
"Undoubtedly," he said. "A lot is decided by the condition of the players at the specific time. Especially since Davis Cup comes right after the largest tournaments, a lot will depend on the condition of the players and which ones are present."
Tarpischev, for example, didn't have Marat Safin for the final. The mercurial star, whose Davis Cup exploits included a decisive victory in the 2006 final, ruled himself out after crashing out of the Madrid Masters in October.
Tarpischev said that was just the nature of the Davis Cup.
"As far as Safin is concerned, we had the four strongest players available here," he said. "The one thing is Safin might have strengthened the doubles team, but he didn't end up being here."
Both captains said the choice of surface accorded the host nation was also key.
"I think it's always better when you've got the home court," McEnroe said. "But we did win two matches on the road this year, which is pretty tough to do.
"I think that was really the key to the year, was to win two away ties."
One of those was a tricky first-round clash on clay against the Czech Republic in Ostrava.
"When we won that, I think we thought maybe things can break right for us," said McEnroe, who guided a team to the title for the first time since taking over the captaincy in 2001.
After beating Spain in the quarter-finals in North Carolina, the Americans had to beat Sweden in Gothenburg in the semis.
In both Ostrava and Gothenburg, Blake lost the only meaningful singles matches he played.
His ability to hold off a comeback bid by Youzhny to could be a sign that some of the pressure on Roddick might be eased next year.
"When James plays like that, it's going to be tough to beat this team," Bob Bryan said.
The final in Portland marked the first time since 1992 that the United States hosted the championship tie.
But the first round in 2008 will see them hit the road again as they launch their defence against Austria in Vienna on clay February 8-10.
