2018 Davis Cup Betting Preview: World Group First Round

This coming week is sure to be a great one for those of you who are looking for some great tennis betting lines, as it features the return of the Davis Cup. The first round of the tournament is set to go on February 3-5, with a ton of games wedged into those few days. As always, the Davis Cup betting action  begins with the nations split into 4 different sections: World Group, Americas, Asia/Oceania, and Europe/Africa. The cream of the crop play in the World Group, which is where we are going to focus our attention on this piece. There are 16 nations in this group, which just happen to be the 16 of the best tennis countries the world has to offer. Let’s take a quick look at all 8 match-ups, with predictions for each.

2018 Davis Cup Betting Preview: World Group First Round

Some French wisdom from @NoahYannick ahead of his team’s #DavisCup tie against Netherlands tomorrow…

🇫🇷🧙‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/6S1gLK2wC3 — Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 1 de febrero de 2018

Davis Cup Information

• Founded: 1900
• Founder: Dwight F. Davis
• No. of teams: 16 (World Group) / 130 (Total)
• Countries: ITF member nations
• Current champion: France
• Most titles: United States (32)

Most Wins in World Group

• United States: 62
• Sweden: 56
• France: 55
• Australia: 50
• Argentina: 39
• Spain: 38
• Czech Republic: 37
• Germany: 32
• Russia: 28
• Italy: 21

2018 First Round

France vs. Netherlands

Reigning Davis Cup champions France will begin the defense on their crown on home soil and would appear to be a solid bet against the Netherlands. These two nations have hooked up 10 times in the past, with France winning all 10, which is why the Davis Cup betting pick for this one is pretty clear to me.

Japan vs. Italy

These two have not met very often, and you actually need to go back to the 1930’s to find their previous two meetings, both of which were held in Italy, with the home team winning both. This one will be in Japan and you need to like the host nation, as they made it all the way to the quarter-finals in 2014.

Spain vs. Great Britain

This is one of the better draws in the opening round, with Great Britain holding an 8-5 edge over Spain in previous meetings. It is going to be tough for the Brits to head to Spain and try to win on clay, but they have had some real success in their recent visits there, so give the nod to GB.

Australia vs. Germany

Things tend to be closed when these two meet, with the most recent meeting being a 3-2 win for Germany in a playoff tie back in 2012. It is the Aussies who are the form team, having reached the semi-finals in 2 of the last 3 years, so the edge goes to them on home soil.

Kazakhstan vs. Switzerland

While you might fancy the Swiss to win on the road, it’s worth keeping in mind that Kazakhstan has won 9 of 10 ties played at this venue, including a 5-0 win over Switzerland back in 2010. The edge here goes to the home team.

Croatia vs. Canada

This will be the first ever match-up between these two nations, and it must be said that Canada is up against it here, as they have not won on the road since 2011. That said, Croatia has lost 5 of their last 6 at home, but I still think they win this one.

Serbia vs. U.S.A.

This is the third meeting between these two nations, with the home team coming out on top each time. Serbia has been to the finals twice in recent years, winning in 2010. Oddly enough, they beat the USA in earlier rounds each time they went to the final. Go with Serbia as your Davis Cup betting pick.

Belgium vs. Hungary

These two have a rich Davis Cup history, having met 12 times over the years. Belgium holds a 7-5 edge in those meetings, and while they are the favorites here, they will not be taking this one lightly. Belgium were runners-up in the last final and should get the win in this one.