Davis Cup Semifinal Previews: Belarus at U.S., France at Spain

The Davis Cup World Group semifinals will be played this weekend from Sept. 24-26, with the U.S. at home against Belarus, and France travelling to Spain.

The U.S. is not a runaway favorite even with the home court advantage against Belarus. Behind Andy Roddick is the slumping Mardy "Silver" Fish, who holds a 3-4 career win-loss for the U.S. in singles, and Mike Bryan adds to the American's problems with his hip injury in the doubles with brother Bob.

The Bryan brothers are 3-0 career in Davis Cup doubles for the U.S.

Max "The Beast" Mirnyi will lead the Belarus upset attempt along with No. 2 Vladimir Voltchkov who has been almost nonexistent in ATP play this year. The Beast beat Marat Safin in an upset over Russia earlier this year in Cup play, but has struggled without a title in 2004.

This is the first meeting between the U.S. and Belarus.

France have their collective hands full with a trip to the red clay in Spain, where countries come in but don't come out with anything but an "L."

Either France or Spain have reached the Davis Cup final in each of the past five years.

Spain will go with the same team from their last tie in French Open champs Carlos Moya and Juan Carlos Ferrero, and in doubles Tommy Robredo and Rafael "The Prodigy" Nadal. France will sit the slumping and injured Sebastien Grosjean while likely playing Arnaud Clement and Paul-Henri Mathieu in singles, and Fabrice "The Magician" Santoro and Michael Llodra in doubles.