Let's see how they perform at the aus open. That should be a good indicator.

philwrig wrote:

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Even at the peak of her form Katie wasn't good enough to be selected ahead of a very rusty Anne for the crunch match last year, so I would give her little or no chance of being selected.

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Err, let's roll back to that match.  I think you might recall that Katie was in fairly decent form and that selection decison was a cause of some wonder and largely negative comment on this forum both before and after the relevant crucial match. I noted in checking for Nigel Sear's comments that you yourself thought the selection daft. Anyway, Nigel Sears aterwards said that he picked Anne based on what he had seen in practice largely to give her matchplay before potential later rounds, but admitted that "it was a risk I took that didn't come off". 

Anyway, all I am basically saying is that in my view there is certainly still time for things to change and Katie still has some chance. 

-- Edited by indiana on Tuesday 28th of September 2010 11:51:26 PM

The venue has been announced as Eilat in Israel on the Red Sea coast, playing on outdoor hard courts.

Coming from the heat of the Australian open the preceding week, probably the best venue in Europe, weather-wise.

Apparently the other "finalist" was Poland. I don't think many players would adapt too well to playing in a Polish winter immediately after being in Melbourne. On the other hand, there are the security concerns with Israel. Their 'biggest' tournament this year was two 15K mens events.


-- Edited by RBBOT on Thursday 21st of October 2010 10:13:56 PM

philwrig wrote:

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Why don't we put in a bid to host it ?

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That would require a federation that knew what it is doing.

 

EDIT:  Beaten to it.  I could sense Steven lurking as I was typing it 

Regarding the team, it's as expected. Considering Laura's doubles capabilities as well as her and Heather's obvious strengths in singles I would say a totally logical decision. But unfortunately it does mean that we may have seen the last of Sarah and Katie, who must realise that they have a mountain to climb if they want to play Fed Cup again.

-- Edited by James on Saturday 18th of December 2010 11:19:36 AM

I think a doubles specialist would be worth it if her regular partner was also British and on the team, otherwise you might as well stick to 2 singles players who are half decent at doubles.