US captain Patrick McEnroe is confident that a revitalized Andy Roddick will be ready to reverse a two-match Davis Cup loss streak in a World Group tie against Switzerland starting Friday.
McEnroe credits a change of coach by his top singles player with helping Roddick to start lifting his already impressive game, Roddick having taken on US veteran Larry Stefanki.
"I thought that was a pretty gutsy move on his part to do that," McEnroe said.
Roddick lost his grip last autumn on a nine-match Davis win streak which began in 2007 as he dropped singles rubbers to Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer in a 4-1 semi-final rout by Spain in 2008 in Madrid, the Americans playing in a semi-final for the third year in a row.
"It has been interesting over the years to see Andy Roddick, whom I mentioned had his first tie as a teenager," McEnroe said. "He has really grown up and become a man.
"He's principled and I think we've seen that in his decision to not go to Dubai," he said of Roddick's no-show protest over visa disputes in the moderate Gulf emirate over the admission of Israeli players to WTA and ATP events.
McEnroe is certainly able to cast a discerning eye over his star pupil.
"I've been lucky enough to see him in every Davis Cup match he has played. I've seen him go out there when really everything was stacked against him. He goes out and gives it 110 percent," McEnroe said.
"To beat Nadal on clay in Spain is not going to be easy. He's willing to go out there and take one for the team, as you might say. I've been impressed for years with his commitment to playing for his country and being there for his teammates."
McEnroe's side will be in the driver's seat against a Switzerland minus Roger Federer as the world number two remains at his base in Dubai working out the final kinks in a lingering back problem.
Federer withdrew from the Davis Cup to try and prepare for the run of back-to-back ATP events in the US starting next week in Indian Wells, California, and continuing in Miami.
The nations stand 1-1 in their rivalry, the Americans winning the 1992 final in Fort Worth, Texas and the Swiss earning revenge in the first round in 2001.
Swiss coach Severin Luethi will lead with number 16 Stan Wawrinka, backed up by a supporting cast of 342-ranked Marco Chiudinelli, number 143 Stephane Bohli and Yves Allegro.
But whatever the Swiss can manage to throw together, McEnroe will be concentrating on his own duties and hopeful Bob and Mike Bryan can capture the doubles match.
"I don't have too much to worry about in the way they've been playing. Andy is obviously off to a great start, 17-3 on the year. He's got a great chance to finish this year in the Top five," McEnroe said.
"The Bryans kicked off by winning the Australian they were pretty tee'd off to not to finish last year number one. They're motivated and have been working extra hard in the gym. We feel pretty good about where we are right now."
The draw will be made on Thursday with singles play beginning Friday.
Copyright 2009 AFP Global Edition
