Spain on Clay Spells Doom for the U.S.

At full strength, the American Davis Cup squad would have little chance of beating the Spanish team in this weekend’s semifinals. The Americans, who are defending champions, have the talent to win, as they proved last year when they defeated Spain on their way to their first title since 1995. But that was on a hard court. On clay in Madrid, Spain effectively begins the contest with a 2-0 lead, unless Rafael Nadal injures himself or consumes a large helping of spoiled food. Nadal lost four games in the French Open final this year against Roger Federer, the second-best clay court player in the world. He might beat the Americans right-handed (it is, after all, his natural hand).