OOP is out...

Davis Cup World Group play-off: Great Britain V Croatia
Venue: Court No.1, AELTC, Wimbledon
Dates: 21-23 September 2007

Friday Sep 21 (11am start): Andy Murray V Marin Cilic
Friday Sep 21: Tim Henman V Ivan Ljubicic
Saturday Sep 22 (1pm start): Andy Murray & Jamie Murray V Ljubicic & Lovro Zovko
Sunday Sep 23 (11am start): Andy Murray V Ivan Ljubicic
Sunday Sep 23: Tim Henman V Marin Cilic

Looks good. Hopefully the weather holds up, the forecast seems to be saying chance of rain tomorrow but cloudy and dry at the weekend so fingers crossed.

Does anyone want commentary for the matches tomorrow (I should be able to provide it if wanted but if everyone is watching on tv there's little point)?

VSandhi20 wrote:

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Where did you check the forecast? i looked on the BBC, chances of rain on all 3 days!!

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See MultiMap from LTA website
This also agrees with the weather girl on BBC

Anyone going be aware of rules:-

General Rules

No cameras, video cameras, glass bottles, cans, illegal substances or smoking. Security will be strict and bag searching will be in operation. Hard-sided bags, briefcases and cool boxes are not permitted. Only one bag per person, measuring a maximum of 18" x 12" x 12".

 

-- Edited by mjd at 17:49, 2007-09-20

From this morning's Metro - Legs clearly isn't assuming it's in the bag:

John Lloyd is ON the SPOT

DAVIS Cup captain, John Lloyd, who enjoyed a distinguished career in the competition himself, is a former Australian Open finalist and British No 1. He will lead his Great Britain side in their crucial tie against Croatia at the All England Club tomorrow.

LLOYD'S DATA BANK

Born:  27 August 1954
Birthplace:  Leigh-on-Sea, Essex [he's an Essex boy! ]
Achievements:  reached the Australian Open men's singles final in 1977 and won three grand slam mixed doubles titles.

* This is going to be a fantastic weekend for so many reasons.
Yes.  Not only are Great Britain bidding to get back into the highest level of Davis Cup tennis, but it will be Tim Henman's farewell before his retirement.

* It's bound to bring a passionate and patriotic crowd to SW19.
Tim's decision to end a truly remarkable career here will be a big boost for the rest of the team, as they will want to give him a victorious send-off. It will also bring the best out of the crowd and I'm sure it is going to be the hottest ticket in town. I'm sure the fans will make loads of noise and really get behind Tim and the rest of the team.

* How would you assess Tiger Tim's contribution to British tennis?
Oh, he's been a tremendous servant to the game. You can tell that by the amazing following he has enjoyed every year at Wimbledon. He was so unlucky to lose in the rain-delayed semi-final to Goran Ivanisevic [in 2001], as he truly seemed destined to be crowned Wimbledon champion that year. He has always given his all and been proud to represent Britain in the Davis Cup. Tennis fans in this country tend to focus on Wimbledon, but Tim has had a first-rate career. People forget what a tough era he has played in. But Tim has performed consistently well and been the best Briton since Fred Perry.

* Does it put extra pressure on the team knowing it's Tim's farewell?
I think it will give them a lift and Tim will be as fired up, as always, to win for his country. Everyone realises the tie's importance and it should bring the best out of them.

* Croatia are hardly the easiest of opponents, though.
No, it is going to be far from easy and they have some top players in their ranks, but we have a good team and I'm sure we can pull off a fantastic win. It's important for us to be in the World Group - that would give tennis in this country a really big lift.

* Andy Murray has made giant strides and will have to pick up the baton now.
Yes, he is a player capable of the world's top ten when fit and healthy. I'm convinced he can win that elusive grand slam in the next few years.

* Looking back on your own career, what was it like playing Davis Cup tennis?
It was a great honour and a privilege playing for your country and I am delighted to have been made captain.

* Is it really 30 years since you played Vitas Gerulaitis in Melbourne?
(Laughs) Yes, it was. It was a great Australian Open final and so disappointing I could not get past him in the final set, but it was a memorable and exhausting match.

http://www.net.hr/sport/page/2007/09/21/0403006.html

Basically, Ljubicic is ill/has some kind of infection and is unable to play in the Davis Cup this weekened

IS it too early to say GSM Great Britain, but without Ljubicic, there is a decent chance of this ending 5-0

imoen wrote:

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OK, now I feel sorry for Croatia. Imagine what state we'd all be in if we didn't have our top three players available for the DC (ie Tim, and Murray Inc).

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A team of Boggo, Baker, Goodall and Auckland (maybe Hutchins) would surely frighten the world, and be no match for anyone

Croatia have had no luck at all with this tie, with both Ljubicic and Ancic being injured (although Karlovic refusing to play is a different matter). It means that we will get back into the world group, and beat the 3rd ranked team (although it is their reserves really) (Now to hope that Slovakia win their play-off match, and we draw them, as they will be seeded!)