by Andy Schooler, at The O2
Marin Cilic says Belgium are lively underdogs for next week’s Davis Cup final after expressing surprise over France’s choice of court.
The French will host the tie on an indoor hardcourt under the roof of Lille’s football stadium, the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
However, Cilic said he had expected them to choose clay and feels the decision could play into the hands of their neighbours, who will be led by world number eight David Goffin.
Quizzed about the final at the ATP Finals in London, the Croatian, who was on the losing side in last year's final against Argentina, said: “I would say it’s quite interesting from the French side to put a hardcourt indoor. I was expecting it's going to be clay.
“I think it might go in a nice direction for the Belgium guys. Even though Steve (Darcis, Belgian number two) has been playing really well on clay, I think he can play a little bit better on hardcourts.
“It's going to be interesting definitely to see also how David is going to perform. I think with his win (over Rafael Nadal), it's going to give him nice confidence.
“Obviously France is big favourite to win, but I wouldn't rule out Belgium at all.
“(In) most of the Davis Cup matches, it gets tight. It will be nice to see how the French guys are going to react.”
Belgium are Sky Bet's 10/3 outsiders with France hot favourites at 2/9.
France have chosen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lucas Pouille to play singles with captain Yannick Noah opting to select a specialist doubles pair – Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut – in his four-man team.
The final takes place from November 24-26.
Belgium, beaten by Great Britain in the 2015 final, will be looking to win the title for the very first time, while France will bid to secure their first Davis Cup success in 16 years.
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