Perhaps the closest of the first round matches of the 2012 Davis Cup takes place in Hyogo, Japan where Croatia are the victors to take on the Japanese.
Just like Spain’s clash with Kazakhstan, this will be the first time these two sides have met in the Davis Cup. Japan will be making their first appearance in the World Group since the mid 1980’s while Croatia have been in the World Group for nine of the past ten seasons.
Japan booked their place in the top division the hard way in 2011 with victories over Philippines, Uzbekistan as well as a 4-1 win over India in Tokyo. The home fans will be hoping that star player Kei Nishikori is in fine form as the World No. 20 looks to continue his excellent record in the tournament having only lost one of his seven singles outings. Captain Eiji Takeuchi will also be looking to Go Soeda to feed off the home fans support as the World No. 88 has a 17/4 win/loss record in the tournament.
For Croatia, the 2011 Davis Cup had its ups and downs. Following a first round defeat to Germany, they avoided relegation from the World Group with a 4-1 win away from home over South Africa. Big serving Ivo Karlovic will need to be ranking up the aces for the away side as he will look to improve on his 2011 Davis Cup form which saw him lose two rubbers against Germany.
Prediction: Japan 3-2
Date: 10 Feb - 12 Feb 2012
Venue: Bourbon Beans Dome, Hyogo, Japan
Surface: Hard, Indoor
