Blake: Hard courts will suit America
James Blake thinks the hard courts could play into his team's hands when America take on Russia on Friday at the start of the three-day Davis Cup final in Portland. The US star will play in the singles, along with team-mate Andy Roddick, on a surface that suits his style of play perfectly.
America are looking to secure their first Davis Cup title since 1995 against reigning champions Russia - who beat Argentina in the final last year.
And Blake knows USA, who also include doubles specialists Mike and Bob Bryan, have a great opportunity to clinch victory in front of their home crowd at Portland's Memorial Coliseum.
"I think for Andy and myself it's a great situation. We love playing on indoor hard. We have had some of our best results there," he said.
"I think the Bryans could play on Pluto and still be the favourites. I think this is the perfect situation for me to play some of my best tennis."
Unlike team-mate Roddick, Blake has never featured in a Grand Slam final and he admits that winning the Davis would be a career defining moment.
"To be honest for me it might be the shining moment in my career to win a Davis Cup title," he added.
"To win something with the team I care about, with guys that have worked hard together, guys that want to get this title, we've put ourselves in a position and now we want to take it one step further.
"For me just to be called a team-mate with these guys is something I am proud of.
"We're feeling really good. We know we're going to have a raucous crowd on our side."
Russia, meanwhile, have named Nikolay Davydenko, Igor Andreev, Mikhail Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov in their side as they look to become the first team since Sweden in 1998 to defend the title.
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