US aim to avoid clay crisis on freshly-laid court

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

VIENNA (AFP) — The powerhouse US aims to smooth over any difficulties with a freshly-laid indoor clay court as the 32-time champions opens their 2008 Davis Cup campaign Friday against Austria.

US skipper Patrick McEnroe played down any doubts from the visiting side about the state of the dirt in the Ferry Duskia Hallenstadion.

"Hopefully, it will settle down in 24 hours," McEnroe said during Thursday's draw. "It's difficult to play a clay court indoors.

"Inside the lines it's fine, but it's a bit rough outside the baseline."

In Friday's opening tie Andy Roddick will face Jurgen Melzer, with the sixth-ranked American standing 6-0 in that series. James Blake will later face top Austrian Stefan Koubek to complete opening-day World group first-round...