Robin Soderling opens Sweden's tie against Russia when he plays Igor Andreev on Friday.
Sweden boast a proud history in the Davis Cup but the hopes of the current side rest strongly on Soderling's shoulders. The world number four is more than capable of handling the responsibility though, he boasts a 12-3 win-loss record in his singles rubbers in the competition and he is in the form of his life after winning tournaments in Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille so far this year.
“It’s always a bit different compared to regular tournaments, but I try to see it as any other match, try to do my things and try to play well,” he said. “I always like to play Davis Cup, it’s always fun. I grew up with Davis Cup - I came to a lot of matches. My dream was to one day play for my country and it feels great to be here.”
Andreev has played Davis Cup fairly sparsely in the past and he has been handed his opportunity after Mikhail Youzhny retired from Davis Cup action last month and Nikolay Davydenko ruled himself out of the tie. He knows what it takes to win big matches, having played a crucial role in Russia's run to the final four years ago.
However since then he has slipped down the rankings and his current form will not concern Soderling. Andreev has lost his past four matches and has not had back to back wins on tour since September.
Prediction: Soderling in three
