Davis Cup 2018 World Group R1 - Spain v Great Britain - 2-4 February

brendan · Strong Club Player

RE: Davis Cup 2018 World Group R1 - Spain v Great Britain - 2-4 February

skibbarriz · Strong Club Player

Biggest GB Davis Cup upset in a tie ever if they win this one?

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

I'll bet Leon was having heart palpitations when Kyle went down in a heap today.

Madadman · Top national player

brendan wrote:
you'd expect Cam to be an automatic entry for the French Open so he obviously could benefit from the experience if nothing else and it's not as if any of those available would stand a chance even against a 6th or 7th string Spaniard

He could certainly use the time on the clay, on the tour Cam has only played 3 clay court Futures in spring 2013.

flamingowings · All-time great

I predict a whitewash for Spain, maybe lucky if we win one.

indiana · Tennis legend

Kyle could win a match or two, especially if Nadal doesn't play. Could win the doubles. Could win the tie. Don't at all think we will, but it's sport ...

So Cam indeed is extremely short of pro clay experience. I have no idea re his college clay experience. While taking brendan's point re any second singles player will probably struggle I would expect Leon to pick who he most likely sees as winning a match. He has previously separated himself from LTA player development as Davis Cup captain, seeing a potential conflict. So I doubt that giving Cam clay experience will be anywhere near the top of his agenda. I imagine he will have to believe Cam is the best option at the time of the tie to play him. So the build up before the tie may well decide that.

I like the idea of going for what you think is the best available team in the here and now.

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

It'll have to be Kedders and Cam this time. I didn't expect Andy would play anyway these days unless a semi or final and I think the likes of Nadal would be the same situation.
Someone mentioned a 5th player but I think this year it was being brought in with 2day format up to Group1 level (Not the World Group level this year). If you look at the Davis Cup web site I think it reflects this with 2 or 3 date formats in the calendar. Interestingly the World Group play off in September is also still the 3day and four format.

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

I forgot to add. I'm not a fan of the 5man 2day format and I think in the end the big players still won't play because for them the risks of injury are still there 2 or 3 days. I just feel it is taking away from what we had before and as a move to appease many, they didn't bring it in wholesale to the World Group this year. We'll just have to suck it and see won't we..

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

Going to be tough without Andy although great opportunity to give the youngsters an opportunity

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

Yes, Carreno Busta hasn't been playing well recently overall and Nadal will surely miss this tie so Kedders could beat the Spanish no.2 and have a half chance against busta perhaps. Cam is the wild card but if Jamie & Don can produce as they usually do, we still have an outside chance for me.

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

indiana wrote:
Kyle could win a match or two, especially if Nadal doesn't play. Could win the doubles. Could win the tie. Don't at all think we will, but it's sport ...

So Cam indeed is extremely short of pro clay experience. I have no idea re his college clay experience. While taking brendan's point re any second singles player will probably struggle I would expect Leon to pick who he most likely sees as winning a match. He has previously separated himself from LTA player development as Davis Cup captain, seeing a potential conflict. So I doubt that giving Cam clay experience will be anywhere near the top of his agenda. I imagine he will have to believe Cam is the best option at the time of the tie to play him. So the build up before the tie may well decide that.
I like the idea of going for what you think is the best available team in the here and now.

There's the odd green clay court around in college tennis but it's played almost totally on hard-court

seagull · Hall of fame

If Norrie plays it's really going to interrupt his early season where he is exclusively down for his favourite American hard courts.

Given lack of options and slim chances stick Alex Ward in (if fit). He likes the big occasion and the clay.

It won't happen of course.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Given all the "goings on" in Melbourne, maybe this result isn't such a foregone conclusion after all. I just hope Kyle will have something left in the tank when he gets to Spain.

the addict · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
Given all the "goings on" in Melbourne, maybe this result isn't such a foregone conclusion after all. I just hope Kyle will have something left in the tank when he gets to Spain.

Certainly not a forgone conclusion at all now, since Rafa has said he isn't playing.

wolf · Tennis legend

Team announced as Kyle, Cam, Liam, Dom and Jamie. Presumably Jay will travel as well?