Lifeline

I'm watching the replay now, even though we all already know the result. The hip-bumping team of Mardy Fish and Mike Bryan gave the US hope as they battled through five sets to defeat the lefty team of Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco.

Folks here are optimistic about Andy Roddick's chances against Rafael Nadal tomorrow. Look, I saw Andy's first match against Rafa on clay in Seville, Spain in the Davis Cup finals back in 2004. That was an entirely winnable match. And even though it was post-Wimbledon final 2004, Andy had to have more confidence than now and Rafa was still a relative newbie who had the same drive and fight and determination he has now, but far less confidence. It was the best claycourt match I've ever seen Andy play and he still lost.

Rafa may be playing poorly, but he's playing for his country. Andy can't win big five-set matches anymore, at home or abroad. And suddenly, out of nowhere, you all think Andy is going to beat Rafa on clay in Spain?

What are y'all smoking and can I have some?