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Edberg is hopeful of facing Czechs

STEFAN EDBERG, in the final year of his distinguished career, has fitness problems ahead of Sweden's Davis Cup semi final against…

Thu Sept 19 1996 - 01:00

STEFAN EDBERG, in the final year of his distinguished career, has fitness problems ahead of Sweden's Davis Cup semi final against the Czech Republic starting in Prague tomorrow.

France host Italy in Nantes on the opening day of the other semi final with the final scheduled from November 29th to December 1st. Edberg (30) injured an Achilles tendon at the US Open this month where he was knocked out in the quarter finals of his last grand slam appearance by Goran Ivanesevic.

"It's hard to evaluate this early in training but overall I feel fine, Edberg said. "The foot still isn't 100 per cent, it's a day to day situation and I hope to play in the singles. That's why I am here.

Swedish manager Carl Axel Hageskog will monitor Edberg's progress but a decision may be left until shortly before today's draw.

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Edberg partnered Anders Jarryd 12 years ago in the crucial doubles match which gave Sweden a 4-1 victory over the US in the Davis Cup final.

Edberg is scheduled to partner 14th ranked Thomas Enqvist in the singles with Jonas Bjorkman pairing Nicklas Kulti in the doubles. The Czech Republic upset defending champions the United States 3-2 in the quarter finals to claim their first semi final place for 10 years.

Their powerful left hander Petr Korda, who partnered Edberg to the Australian doubles title this year, and the consistent Daniel Vacek head the Czech team on the fast Supreme surface at the Prague Sports Hall.

"Stefan is a player with a lot of experience," Korda said. "We've seen a lot of him and he is a tough competitor, hurt or not. Enqvist hits hard from both sides but I beat him on Supreme before so I have confidence." French captain Yannick Noah has retained the team who won their first two ties 5-0 for their clash with Italy on the indoor carpet at the Palais des Sports de Beaulieu.

Cedric Pioline world ranked 17th, will play in the singles with either Guy Forget or Arnaud Boetsch. "I've made my choice but I'm leaving a door open," Noah said.

France have their best chance to win the Cup since Noah captained the team to an upset victory over the US five years ago.