Chile at Russia Davis Cup Preview

Chile at Russia
Site: Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
Surface: Carpet indoors
Ball: Penn ATP

Without Athens Olympics singles gold medalist Nicolas Massu, out with a toe injury, this tie has turned from a thriller to a virtual walkover.

"Unfortunately, Nicolas is definitely ruled out for the Davis Cup," said Chilean team doctor Alejandro Orizola.

Massu not only won the singles in Athens, but doubles gold with countryman Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzalez, which made them formidable competition for the Russian squad of Marat Safin, Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny and Igor Andreev. But with Massu injured, his singles and doubles duties will likely fall heavily on the shoulders on Adrian Garcia, who competes primarily on the challenger circuit during the year.

The injury to Massu is all the more devastating considering this is Chile's first appearance in the World Group in 20 years. Chile's Marcelo Rios, who briefly ranked No. 1, never competed in World Group play during his career.

Davydenko will likely get the call at No. 2 singles for Russia since Youzhny has been battling injuries.

Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev noted his home team would have the surface advantage, playing on a fast indoor carpet.

Give a sad nod to the Russians in what would otherwise have been a well-fought tie. Russia will face the winner of Sweden-France.