Tennis / Israel preps for survival tie with Austria

Israel's experience and home court advantage should be enough Thursday when Austria comes to Yad Eliahu for their Davis Cup World Group playoff tie.

"We're at a crossroads and manage somehow to persist with this lineup," said Israel captain Eyal Ran about the combination of Harel Levy, Dudi Sela and doubles partners Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich.

Israel must win to remain in the World Group consisting of the top 16 nations.

Austria features world number 15 Jurgen Melzer and doubles specialist Julian Knowle, but longtime member Stefan Koubek retired this month.

"We all have a perfect record in Yad Eliahu," joked Harel Levy, referring to Israel's one and only tie there - an upset win over Russia last year. "This time the dates are problematic, but I hope tennis lovers will give up a few hours of work," he said. "It could be the difference between losing and winning."