Fernando Gonzalez was hot at the Australian Open but can he take this form and help Chile beat Davis Cup holders Russia?

When considering that Gonzalez will team up with 2004 Olympics gold medallist Nicolas Massu and that the two also won the doubles gold in Athens, you would have to give Chile a good chance of claiming the tie.  To further add weight to Chile's chances,  it should be remembered that they have won the last 10 home Davis Cup ties, and as this one is being played in La Serena, the hosts are my favourites to depose Russia in the first round of the 2007 World Group.

Another tie that promises to deliver plenty is the matchup in Krefeld between the 2005 title holders Croatia and hosts Germany. Croatia are favoured through the inclusion of two top 10 players, Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic, although Tommy Haas and Benjamin Becker are certainly capable of testing the Croats if Haas stays composed and manages to win his two singles rubbers.

Even though they travel to Ostrava, the United States appear to have a clear edge over the Czech Republic, who have only one name player in the shape of world number 12 Tomas Berdych. At the Australian Open, Berdych did well to reach the fourth round where he lost to third seed Nikolay Davydenko. Berdych also has a handy Davis Cup singles record which stands at seven wins and three losses.

The problem for the Czechs is that they do not have a credible supporting player for Berdych, as their next highest ranked player is world No. 87 Lukas Dlouhy. When comparing  this with the U.S. team, who boast world No.4 Andy Roddick and No.6 James Blake, it is clear which team is favoured to win. The Americans are further strengthened in the doubles by the presence of the Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob, who are currently equal ranked at number three.

In other first round ties I favour Austria to beat Argentina in Linz; Spain to defeat the Roger Federer-less Swiss team in Geneva; France to beat Romania in Clermont Ferrand; Belarus to overcome Sweden in Minsk, and that Lleyton Hewitt will lead Australian to victory over Belgium in Liege.