Davis Cup: Fish and friends to sink in Seville

November 30, 2004 VC Bet's tennis department have cut Spain to 2/9 from 1/3 for Davis Cup glory following the USA's decision to play Mardy Fish in the Seville showdown that gets underway on Friday.

According to odds compiler Paul Moody the clay surface at Seville's Estadio Olimpico was always going to favour Spain's baseliners but captain Patrick McEnroe's decision to select Fish ahead of Vince Spadea will make the Americans' life even more difficult.

"Fish is a fine hard court player but is a complete ‘fish out of water’ on the clay surface and for me the chances of America winning would have been increased by picking Spadea.

"In short, choosing Fish as number two to Andy Roddick signals the death knell for their chances."

The doubles pairing of Bob and Mike Bryan will spearhead the rest of the American challenge in Andalucia.

The home nation have gone with Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, Tommy Robredo and Rafael Nadal for the best-of-five-match Seville final.

Moody added: "Moya proved his well being at the Masters Cup after a spell in the doldrums by running Roger Federer close.

"The doubles match looks close on paper but the Americans will have to win that to stand any chance.

"Andy Roddick’s two single matches are also must-win rubbers but in the pressure cooker atmosphere of Seville's Olympic Stadium I simply can't see that happening.

"USA are now 3/1 with us and very I'm very happy to lay them at that price."


Davis Cup final odds at VCBet: Spain 2/9, USA 3/1.

  See all free bets