Indeed, the high-powered Serb team would be a favorite in virtually any situation, and would be favorites to humble even last weekend’s World Group semifinalists, the underpowered U.S. and Czech Republic teams, and the scrappy Italians and the injury-ravaged Russian squad. Last weekend the U.S., without the Williams sisters, and Italy advanced to the Fed Cup final.

Apparently not expected enough. Although the Russian squad had a better part of a week to train in the conditions, Kuznetsova also complained about the court. Blowing away Schiavone 6-1 in the first, Kuznetsova nonetheless blamed the court and alternating sunny/shady weather after letting the Italian back in the match before losing 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Nine of the current Top 10 on the WTA rankings are American, Russian or Serb players.

Watch for: (1) Roddick vs. Gulbis 2nd round; (7) Kunitsyn vs. Tommy Haas 2nd round; Chris “Penthouse” Guccione vs. Guillermo “The Juice” Canas 1st round, winner to face (4) Stepanek; all-American in Taylor Dent vs. Bobby Reynolds, winner to face (8) Ginepri; (6) Querrey vs. (WC) Marcos Baghdatis; (3) Blake vs. Vince “Ain’t Afraida Ya” Spadea; (5) Fish vs. Lleyton Hewitt, winner to possible face (WC) John Isner; Kei Nishikori vs. Gilles Muller, winner to face (2) del Potro.

First-year captain Mary Joe Fernandez will defend U.S. turf with Bethanie Mattek, who is reportedly coming off an injury and missed the Australian Open after getting married, veteran Jill Craybas, rookie Melanie Oudin, and Liezel Huber in doubles with a partner to be named.

HOW SOON WE FORGET: Max Eisenbud of IMG, Maria Sharapova’s manager: “The way women’s tennis is being played, if you’re not at least a six-footer and can’t hit hard and deep and never miss, you have no chance.” Uh, ever heard of Justine Henin? She was 5-foot-5 and was No. 1 by a mile before retiring earlier this year. Maybe Google her.