Davis Cup - Wilander: Roddick will be neutralised

Eurosport - Tue, 18 Sep 07:01:00 2007

TENNIS 2007 Andy Roddick - 0

The tie will be played at the same Gothenburg stadium where Sweden beat Argentina and Belarus earlier this year on an indoor carpet that allows for a quick, low bounce.

Though several of the American players are at their best on quick grounds, especially the world number five Roddick, Wilander believes that the venue will allow the Swedes to all but match the dangerous US serving.

"Sure, Roddick has got a hard serve but the surface will help us to do the same so I believe that we will be able to neutralise them," the three-time French Open champion said.

"I doubt it we will see a lot of long duels. At least not if Pim Pim [Joachim Johansson] and Roddick meet."

"That surface suited us perfectly in the earlier matches, Thomas Johansson liked it a lot. But even the other players prefer quick surfaces so we will hopefully do well", Wilander told eurosport.se.

With Sweden's top ranked player Robin Söderling ruled out of the tie because of a wrist injury, Wilander could call on the hard-serving "Pim-Pim," who has not played for his nation since undergoing a series of surgical procedures in 2005.

Wilander's other options include veteran Jonas Bjorkman, former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson and recent US Open doubles victor Simon Aspelin.

"I don't know if [Joachim Johansson] will play yet. Jonas, Thomas and Pim-Pim are competing for the singles but we shall see who will actually get to play."

Wilander describes the mood in the Swedish camp as "very good," but acknowledged that there is no guarantee of a victory against the heavily favoured Americans.

"I know that Roddick, [James] Blake and the [doubles world number one] Bryan brothers know each other well and have a good relationship."

"The importance of a good atmosphere within a team seems like a Swedish thing that has spread. It was different back in the time when [John] McEnroe and [Jimmy] Connors played; players didn't always get along."

Wilander does believe an upset victory against the Americans is possible, however.

"First of all we will get to play at home in the final which is always good," he said.

"Anything can happen, anybody can win. The USA have a better team on paper but ranking doesn't mean much in these circumstances."

Whether or not he steers Sweden to their first Davis Cup final since they won the title 1998, Wilander said he is unsure if he will continue in his current role as captain.

"I would definitely keep going if I didn't have a wife and four kids," the 43-year-old said.

"To work with the Davis Cup has been one of this year's highlights, but I can't make this decision myself. We shall see what happens."

Interview by Peter Juman (Translated by Kristine Bergström)

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