All eyes on Kei Nishikori in Davis Cup tie vs China

Kei Nishikori and Zeng Shao-Xuan will lead the Japanese and Chinese Davis Cup teams respectively in the the second round tie of the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1.

The event will be held at Namihaya Dome sub arena in Osaka from Friday to Sunday.

Kei will be joined by Go Soeda, Satoshi Iwabuchi and Takao Suzuki to represent Japan for the matchup against Zeng, Zhang Ze and Wu Di of China.

(Images via nikkansports.co)

Grigor Dimitrov: The face of a future star player

I simply couldn't resist these photos.

Grigor Dimitrov who has been touted as "better than Federer" by his coach, was at the Davis Cup press conference few days ago.

He is representing Bulgaria and will play against the Hungarian Davis Cup team in this weekend's Europe/Africa Zone Group 2 clash.


(Via menstennisforums.com)

Dirk Hordorff hired to coach Taiwan Davis Cup team

Taiwan Tennis Association has a new strategy to counter India Davis Cup team in this weekend's Asia/Oceania Zone Group I clash.

Rendy Lu Yen-Hsun's coach, Dirk Hordorff has been invited to train the Taiwan team at the very last minute.

He was at the press conference yesterday together with the entire Taiwan Davis Cup team.


(Image posted by Elvis via menstennisforums.com)

One million baht carrot for Thai Davis Cup team

The Thai Davis Cup team will earn a million baht bonus if they beat Australia in this weekend's Asia/Oceania Zone Group I clash.

The Thai team will be led by Danai Udomchoke with Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, Kittipong Vachiramanowong and Peerakiat Siriruethaiwattana.

Thanakorn Srichaphan is the team captain while his brother Paradorn, who cannot play because of an injured wrist, will be the assistant coach.

The Australian team is led by Lleyton Hewitt supported by Carsten Ball, Chris Guccione and Brydan Klein.

The winning team will meet either India or Taiwan in May.

Thai team manager Atat Nana said the players were looking forward to the event, especially as doubles pair Sonchat and Sanchai won a doubles title in Australia last week.

The match will be held at the National Tennis Development Centre, Muang Thong Thani from Friday until Sunday.

Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) offers 1,500 free tickets for fans on their website.

(Via Bangkok Post; Image via LTAT website)