In light of his impressive red clay run in Paris, it would seem that Robby Ginepri should get serious Davis Cup consideration when the U.S. plays Spain in Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid in the third weekend of September. The 25,000 seat arena is famous for bullfighting; Ginepri’s last win in Paris was on the court nicknamed the Bullring. However, before this year’s French Open, Ginepri’s clay court results have been abysmal, a career record on clay of 6-24 before the tournament began (including an 0-5 record previously in Paris.)

No Americans have dominated on the red dirt since Jim Courier did in the early nineties. Of the top-ranked Americans, only Andy Roddick has a winning record on clay, with a career record of 67-32. James Blake hovers near the .500 mark with career clay court record of 38-40. Sam Querrey has a winning record on clay for the year at 4-3, but in his ATP career is only 5-8 on the clay. Mardy Fish is 13-20.

Considering these results, Patrick McEnroe’s decision for the Davis Cup lineup is an easy one barring injury—he’ll go with Roddick and Blake, the guys who brought him. They have the most Davis Cup experience and best records on the clay. Ginepri, who will be close to earning an Olympic berth with this week’s results, should certainly get consideration for first alternate in Spain, but almost certainly will not get the call.

Whomever McEnroe sends out, they will have their hands full with the Spanish singles team of world No. 2 Rafael Nadal, the undisputed king of clay, and No. 5 David Ferrer.

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