Russia can win the Davis Cup title, says Roger Federer's coach
The Swiss Davis Cup team captain Severin Luthi feels confident ahead of the tie against Russia on Friday and Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Luthi, who has been Roger Federer's coach since 2008, said: 'Russia can even win the title. They have very good and young players, two of them (Khachanov and Medvedev) are in the top 20. Obviously we do not start as favorites. Henri Laaksonen will definitely be the No. 1 singles player. For the rest, I have some ideas, but I did not take a decision.'
Luthi has to decide who between Marc-Andrea Hüsler (ATP 362) and Sandro Ehrat (ATP 590) will be the second singles player. 'Marc, with his left serve, can compete with any player indoors. And Sandro is a solid player.'
'We do not have anything to lose. Then everything can happen in Davis Cup. Especially because now we are at the best of three sets, which balances things. It's still tennis. We will not give up. But it's clear that it will be very difficult. We have a lot of respect for the Russian team, whose players are constantly making progresses.'
Laaksonen said: 'I feel very well. For once I was able to prepare myself normally in December and I played well at the Australian Open, getting my first career win in the Grand Slam against Mirza Basic before losing to Alex de Minaur in five sets.'
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from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2D25jbH
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