John McEnroe admits there is a sense of "desperation" in the United States' camp as they build up to this weekend's Davis Cup final against Russia.

The tie will take place on a fast indoor court in Oregon - a sign, according to McEnroe, that the hosts are concerned about the threat of the defending champions.

McEnroe, whose brother Patrick is the USA captain, said: "I'm biased first of all. I am American and my brother is the captain so I'm thinking America (will win).

"But given the fact we're playing in Oregon on a surface that's more suitable to us, a fast court, there's some desperation.

"It's been 12 years since we won a Davis Cup."

The quality of the singles players on view - Andy Roddick and James Blake for the USA and Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny for the Russians - means the tie is likely to be close.

McEnroe believes the quality of the home team's doubles pairing of Bob and Mike Bryan - the world number ones - could prove crucial.

He added on the BlackRock Tennis Champions Podcast: "Doubles is often key and we have a big advantage here because none of their players are really doubles players, they're all singles players and they throw a couple together.

"However, the Bryans were beaten by Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic - a team just thrown together that don't play a lot of doubles together.

"But the Bryans play with a lot of energy which I like and they bring a positive vibe to the team which is important too."