Davis Cup Day 2 - Hutchins / Fleming v Stakhovsky / Bubka

Drew · Mar 7, 2009

RE: Davis Cup Day 2 - Hutchins / Fleming v Stakhovsky / Bubka

Drew · Mar 7, 2009

GB lose the DouGB lose the Doubles Rubber

Ross Hutchins and debutant Colin Fleming lost in 5 sets and therefore GB slump to 3 defeats in a row and face a play-off in September at home against Poland who have just been beaten by Belgium.

Ross told britishtennis.net "I have not played against a guy in doubles who served so well it was just so frustrating". Ross was referring to Sergeiy Bubka who after saving a break point in his first service game went onto drop only a further 9 pts in total and served 6 love games.

Ross hopes to play with Andy in later this month but that will depend on Andy's fitness levels.

Colin has tasted the Davis Cup and wants more... "I will work so hard from here to be part of this team again". Colin confirmed that he will continue to play both singles and doubles as he attempts to ensure he is part of the next tie in September. John Lloyd said of Fleming "He is just so flexible being competant in singles and in doubles and I hope he can get his ranking up....if we had won the doubles today there would have been a case for Colin to play singles on Sunday".

Full Press conference notes to come along with a match report.

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

Sounds like the boys put in a good effort today but just wasn't quite good enough to get the job done, and with neither of them being the best returned in the world it sounds like we didn't get enough chances to break serve.

Taking them to 5 sets is a step forward, but ultimately it wasn't enough - I'll try and catch the match at some point over the next few days to have a look at see how they played.

goldfish · Futures qualifying

I was very impressed by Colin's attitude and performance today for his first Davis Cup match and it was a real shame that he and Ross didn't quite manage the win - good match though. However, if Andy is available to play in future ties, I think it will be very hard for Colin to get a place other than as a reserve unless he is able to make a huge improvement in his singles ranking. I would like to see him in the team again, though, so good luck Colin - keep working hard.

DUSTY DICK · Club Coach

Agree, Colin did play well in a situation that he had never been in before. His commiment was 110%. Hopefully this will spur him on as i do think he's done well since returning last summer. He could definately be a doubles contender again.

Drew · Mar 8, 2009

Colin hurt his back during the second set yesterday...but no-one noticed as his game just got better throughout the match. He is getting some physio today and still hopes to make Tipton. More later.

steven · Tennis legend

That would explain why his serving went off a bit in the 3rd set though. It was an even more amazing performance taking that into account though.