Calm down, calm down. You kickin off

LTA press release...

Davis Cup debut for Liverpool

International tennis will return to the Northwest with Great Britains tie against Poland in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas which will be held in Liverpool for the first time in the events history.

The AEGON GB Davis Cup team will take on Poland in the Euro/Africa Group I relegation tie from 18th-20th September at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

The tie will be played on an indoor hard court with an arena capacity of 4,000 to 5,000.

Great Britain has played Poland seven times in the Davis Cup competition with Britain winning all previous ties. The last tie was held in Poland in 1991 with Great Britain defeating Poland 4-1.

John Lloyd, AEGON GB Davis Cup captain, said: Liverpool is a fantastic city with a rich sporting pedigree and Im very excited to be taking the tie to the Northwest. I am delighted that the City is so keen to host what will be a difficult tie for us and we will need the support of a vocal crowd if we are going to maintain our place in Group 1 in 2010.

Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ''To stage this crucial Davis Cup tie is a huge coup for Liverpool and underlines the city's reputation as a natural home for world class events. I'm sure this fantastic sporting occasion will be a smash hit and one that will strengthen our claim to be the tennis capital of the north.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has worked with the council to bring the event to Liverpool and is also sponsoring the event.

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at the NWDA, said: The Davis Cup is a highly prestigious event, the fact that it is coming to Liverpool for the first time demonstrates how the city has gained a reputation as a perfect place to hold successful international events.

"Hosting the Davis Cup will raise the profile of Liverpool and Englands Northwest even further, and hopefully attract even more major events to the city. Liverpool is famous for its love of sport and I am delighted we have been able to work with all concerned to bring this fantastic competition here.

Tim Banfield, General Manager of The Echo Arena, said: Sport is fundamental to the program at the Echo Arena Liverpool and the team is delighted to be hosting the Davis Cup in September. We look forward to welcoming tennis fans from all over the country to enjoy this crucial home tie.

Tickets for the Great Britain versus Poland tie will be available from the Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office from 20th May on 0844 8000 400 and online at www.echoarena.com.

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According to the echoarena web site they can do upto 7500 seats for tennis...the LTA seem to be capping that at 4000-5000...perhaps they dont want empty seats ?

Always like to goto new places...looking forward to it.

What a result!

'The Echo' is literally 5 minutes from my office!

I think it's great to take Davis Cup somewhere like Liverpool. Especially with the Nottingham event moving further south.

Poland -

179 Kubot, Lukasz (POL)

288 Panfil, Grzegorz (POL)

343 Olejniczak, Dawid (POL)

348 Gawron, Marcin (POL)

351 Janowicz, Jerzy (POL)

530 Przysiezny, Michal (POL)


I'd actually be more worried about the bottom two that the others.

Doubles is more worrying -
12 Matkowski, Marcin(POL)
13 Fyrstenberg, Mariusz(POL)
22 Kubot, Lukasz(POL)


Murray, Evo, Eaton and Hutchins for me and we'll win 3-2 in the first match on the Sunday and throw away the dead rubber.

not a hope in the doubles.

I hope Mr Boggo  will be there to get the crowds going?

Well since there are so many of 'us' in and around Liverpool we should meet up for a meal Saturday evening !

Thanks for the kind offer James...if my hotel proves to be a dump I might give you a call LOL !!

My team...

Murray, Dan Evans, Ross Hutchins & Colin Fleming.

I expect Dan to be ranked 250 by September with Colin around 300.

The likes of Eaton, Goodall, Boggo...if one of them has a fab 3mths and their ranking improves but right know I would play the 4 above.

I dont suppose we need another playoff ?

And fo course, Kubot can still wield a mean racket in singles when he feels like it!

Into the Belgrade semis

Kubot Pol bt Vliegen Bel 7-6 6-3