First round of the Davis Cup is this weekend, less than three months after the United States brought home the title in Portland, Oregon.  Here are my picks:

US at Austria - Even on clay, the Austrians are simply overmatched.  Jurgen Melzer and Stephan Koubek are solid singles players, and may take one of the four rubbers, but I see Blake, Roddick and the Bryans getting the Americans off to a solid start, and taking the tie 4-1.

France at Romania - Pretty much the same story here as with the US/Austria match.  Romanian team is more than capable, but Tsonga and Gasquet will be too much to overcome.  France in a rout, 5-0.

Spain at Peru - Even without their top guns, a Spanish team comprised of singles players Tommy Robredo and Nicholas Almagro (along with Lopez and Verdasco) should be able to roll over Peru.  However, Luis Horna is a dangerous player, and has a good chance to lead himself and Ivan Miranda to a doubles victory.  Spain 4-1.

South Korea at Germany - While Hyung Taik-Lee is a very dangerous player, I simply can not see Germany (even without Haas) losing at home.  Germany 4-1.

Sweden at Israel - My heart would love to pick Israel here, but my head is telling me they are not quite ready to upset a veteran team like Sweden to win their first World Group match since 1987. Sweden 3-2.

Great Britain at Argentina - Andy Murray pulled out of this tie, thus leaving a potential huge upset on the table.  The Argentines have Nalbandian and a few of there lesser players (of course “lesser” for Argentina is still better than most), and if Andy had played I would’ve given GB a fighting chance, but as it stands I like Argentina in a sweep, 5-0.

Belgium at Czech Republic - If this were in Belgium, I'd give Olivier Rochus and company a shot, but not in Ostrava against heavyweights like Berdych & Stepanek.  CR 4-1.

Serbia at Russia - This has to be the highlight of the first round.  Serbia has Djokovic and Tisparevic (not to mention a very talented doubles player Zimonjic), and will take themselves into the heart of Russia, Moscow, to take on Russia.  Comprised of three players in the top 35 (Davydenko, Youzhny & Tursonov) and one of the most talented players out there, Safin, Russia is the favorite, and I’ll be safe and pick them
to win 3-2, but do not be surprised to see an upset here.  Especially since upsets seem to be the theme of the week in sports- with the Atlanta Hawks beating the LA Lakers last night, and Louisville beating Marquette in Men’s college basketball on Monday…not to mention the BIGGEST one of all- of course I’m talking about Rutgers giving the UConn Women’s team its first loss of the season.