With yet another boring, predictable and upset-free #AusOpen FINALLY over (😉) it's time for #DavisCup! Who will you be supporting this weekend? Use the flag emojis to #ShowYourColours! pic.twitter.com/L7CmKsMBkU
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 29, 2018
Stars miss out
The sport's 'big five' are all missing from this week's first round. Australian Open champion Roger Federer and injured compatriot Stan Wawrinka, key men in Switzerland's 2014 title success, miss the trip to Kazakhstan. Also nursing injuries are Novak Djokovic, who sits out Serbia's home tie with the US while Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray miss the clash between Spain and Britain.
Who will come out on top in the first meeting between 🇭🇷 Croatia and 🇨🇦 Canada? Here is how the nations match up! pic.twitter.com/XgFXJpX1aH
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 31, 2018
However, world number three Marin Cilic, the runner-up to Federer in Melbourne, leads Croatia's challenge at home to Canada. Cilic can equal Ivan Ljubicic's record for most Davis Cup match-wins by a Croatian player if he wins three rubbers this weekend. He has a 33-16 win-loss record in doubles and singles.
Neither 🇧🇪 Belgium nor 🇭🇺 Hungary has lifted the #DavisCup 🏆. Who will still be in with a chance of doing so after the first round? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xqPsHn7pVK
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 30, 2018
Hungary have appetite
Hungary face 2017 runners-up Belgium looking to reach the World Group quarter-finals for the first time and record their best Davis Cup result. The Hungarians have won nine of their last 10 ties with successive promotions in 2014-15, rising from Europe/Africa Zone Group III to Group I by 2016, before winning promotion to the World Group last year.
Mum's the word for Japan's Kiwi
Ben McLachlan was born in Queenstown, New Zealand but the 25-year-old switched his allegiance in 2017 due to his Japanese mother and is in the squad for the home tie against Italy. McLachlan made his debut in the World Group play-off victory against Brazil in September.
🇯🇵 Japan hosts 🇮🇹 Italy in the #DavisCup first round! Japan has never defeated Italy, losing both previous encounters, but the two nations have not met since 1932! pic.twitter.com/j0SdL3mgsA
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 29, 2018
With Japan missing the injured Kei Nishikori, McLachlan could have a crucial role having made the semi-finals of the doubles at the Australian Open alongside Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.
Golden oldie Hewitt
He may be 36 years old and officially retired but former world number one and Wimbledon and US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt could still feature in the doubles for Australia in their home tie against Germany.
Even in a #DavisCup practice session @lleytonhewitt & @NickKyrgios play to win 😄🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/kYx4EWRQ3t
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 31, 2018
Hewitt, the team captain, was rejuvenated at the Australian Open where he made the quarter-finals with compatriot Sam Groth.
France look to keep perfect record
Defending champions France host the Netherlands at Albertville boasting a 10-0 record in the tournament over their European rivals since their first meeting 93 years ago. Last year, France equalled Great Britain in third place on the list for most Davis Cup titles after winning the title for the 10th time, beating Belgium 3-2 in the final in Lille.
A total of 63 broadcasters in more than 150 territories will be showing #DavisCup this weekend - with coverage in all 16 World Group nations and beyond 📺
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 31, 2018
Find out where to watch here 👉 https://t.co/TGbk0mlMas pic.twitter.com/BXwqbCtu22
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