U.S. Davis Cup team expects patriotic support at Sears Centre
With the No. 1 ranked men's doubles team in place, the United States faces Slovakia in the 2014 Davis Cup playoffs this weekend at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
While Team USA, with captain Jim Courier, is coming off a February loss in the first round to Great Britain, American teams have earned the most Davis Cup wins by any team (213-68 overall).
Slovakia posted wins over Latvia and Austria this year but they've never played at the World Group level.
The winner of this competition qualifies for the 2015 Davis Cup World Group and is eligible to compete for the Davis Cup title next year.
A U.S. Davis Cup team has not competed in Chicago since 1928. Courier's team in the best-of-five match series includes top-ranked American John Isner (No. 15 in the world) and Sam Querrey (No. 57), along with the world's top doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan, who earned their 100th title at the recent U.S. Open.
Slovakia captain Miloslav Mecir will counter with Martin Klizan (No. 65), Lukas Lacko (No. 84), Norbert Gombos (No. 129), and Michal Mertinak, a former top 20 doubles player.
At a news conference Tuesday, members of Team USA talked about playing in Chicago, the atmosphere of a Davis Cup match, and the challenge playing Slovakia.
"We've actually never been to Chicago before," said Mike Bryan. "It's good to be in the Midwest here. I think the fans are going to come out.
"We play best when we have the energy and the fans behind us. We look forward to getting back to the World Group. That's where we belong with this team. It's going to be a good match, a tough match.
Courier said he expects USA fans to dress loud and proud to give the event the partisan flavor it has developed over the years.
"This is a very partisan event, Davis Cup. It's nation versus nation. It's not inappropriate for the fans to dress in American flag paint," Courier said. "We encourage people to come and treat it more like it's a football or basketball game, be energetic and enthusiastic, while still being respectful to the other team.
"If you're a fan of American sports, it's a great atmosphere to be a part of."
Courier also said he expects a tough match from the Slovakian team.
"These guys have been on tour with their players for quite a while," he said. "They're an accomplished bunch. Davis Cup, more than regular tour events, players can rise above their rankings and really play well. We'll be ready for whatever they throw at us."
Davis Cup facts
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Sears Centre Arena
Tickets: usta.com/daviscup or searscentre.com; All-session tickets are $90, $180, $270, $498; single-session tickets are $65, $95, $175.
Parking: $15
Format: A best-of-five match series (four singles matches and one doubles match) played over three days. All matches are best-of-five sets until one country wins three matches.
Weekend schedule
Friday: Two singles matches (4 p.m.)
Saturday: Doubles match (2 p.m.)
Sunday: Two singles matches (12:30 p.m.)
Note: The draw to determine the order of play for the U.S. vs. Slovakia match will take place at noon Thursday.