Davis Cup action got underway today (sorry I’m so late with the post), and as expected, shit was ridicky-donk.

Czech Republic 1 – 1 Argentina

The Pico and Elf matches were the only two that I watched, and the Pico one was a tough pill to swallow. First off, the line calling was HORRIBLE. Every single close call went the way of The Berd (seriously, every single one that I saw), and they would play them back on my stream in the replay close up. Some were just down right wrong, some I honestly couldn’t tell, but Berd got every damn one of them. And there’s no hawkeye, so fuck me sideways. By the end Pico just looked emotionally drained (I would have been after a half set with those damn out of tune siren-horn things the fans had), he was arguing his case and eventually just gave up on that, cause he couldn’t get a damn call, and lost the last two sets, losing overall in 5 total. Lame match is lame. Praise Sven, Elf came along after and took care of business, winning in straights easily, and looking damn happy to be back on the hard courts too. The doubles match tomorrow will be huge. My guess is that if the Czech win, they will play Steps against Pico to close it out, and if they lose, they’ll play Steps against Elf and hope to win both Sunday matches.  So the doubles match is incredibly important for the matchups on Sunday. The good news on the Pico match is that it left us some epic pics of him (and I suppose Berd, if you’re into that).

Yes please.

Croatia 2 – 0 USA

Here is where the epic lulz begin. Lames Blah was up two sets to love in the first match, somehow got broken by Dr. Ivo (madness, I know) early in the third set and then went on to lose in 5 sets. After being up two. To none. Epic fail. Mardy Fish then came on and did what Americans seem to do best and LOST IN FIVE SETS. Srsly. I’m pretty impartial to this tie, but that is damn brutal. Also gotta feel bad for Dick, to be honest, for pulling out, cause he likely would have one which ever dude he played today, probably. The BryBros will likely win the doubles match tomorrow, but Team Ginormous will be out in full force on Sunday and SHOULD win one of those matches to move into the semis. But honestly who the hell knows.

Israel 2 – 0 Russia

No, that is not a typo. This left people really scratching their heads, as epic Russian headcasiness came through in full force, as Israel won both matches and look poised to move into the semis. The Russians will need some major help from Marat tomorrow, as the Israelis have Andy Ram, a pretty damn fine doubles player. Though I didn’t see the matches, at this point you don’t even bother asking “what the heck? Israel? Really?” but just shake your head instead. Seems like Russia would have been better off playing Marat after all, especially with his experience. They still do have a shot at pulling it out, though it’ll be tough, especially without the home advantage.

Spain 1 – 1 Germany

And last but not least, another surprise. Kohlswhatever beat Tommy in three sets, his first victory over him ever, which snaps a four match losing streak against him, two of which were on clay this year. And this after Tommy was put in to replace Feli, which is clearly a good move on paper. Dude just did not deliver the goods whatsoever. Luckily for Team Fergasm, in the first match, Tobasco Hair took care of business, though it took him a long 5 sets to do so. Clay isn’t Fer’s best surface, but still, yikes.

So overall, a pretty nutso day, and I’m not really sure you can predict a whole lot from here out. Spain is still a pretty good bet to pull it out, and to have Rafa helping them out later of course, but as for the rest, who the heck knows. Argentina clearly misses the Nalbanator (sorry Pico, but you look like JJ out there when you play on hard courts), and my guess is they won’t have him for the semis in September, assuming they make it that far. If you’re looking for the schedule for tomorrow, check the below post, stuff is all there.

Oh, and Caro and Martinez Sanchez both won, so they’ll play in the final tomorrow. Was gonna do a write up on it, but that match starts in just a little over 8 hours from now, so by the time many of you see this, you’ll already know who won. Also, its Caro’s 19th birthday tomorrow (woo!) and she’s also apparently hitting up a Britney Spears concert in Copenhagen at night. Random. Also, the Bastad site called Caro a “superstar”, which is kind of hilarious, and just confirms my initial thoughts on the Swedes loving Caro to death. Fine by me!