Davis Cup 2013 - E-A Zone Group I R2 - GB v Russia - 5-7 April

RJA · Hall of fame

RE: Davis Cup 2013 - E-A Zone Group I R2 - GB v Russia - 5-7 April

RJA · Hall of fame

Spectator wrote:
Perhaps it would be a good idea somewhat to depersonalise the whole thing? I do think Mr Evans and Mr Ward both should get WCs to the summer events, simply on the grounds that if you ask anyone -- whoever it might be -- to play for the country, and they do so brilliantly, they should receive some appropriate thanks. WCs seem like appropriate thanks, and giving them to Mr Evans and Mr Ward seems like the only decent thing to do. Not able to comment on the larger context of what the LTA's approach to Mr Evans should be.

Well yes I do agree but is there not something to be gained from not promising the earth unless the people in question meet certain criteria? You know, something of an incentive for the next couple of months?

RJA · Hall of fame

indiana wrote:
Interesting re Andy making himself available for September and huntley93 posing the question as to whether that would be a bit harsh on either James or Dan.

The thought did occur to me that Andy only made himself available for a play off tie in September tie because he assumed that we would lose to Russia.

steven · Tennis legend

GB jump 8 places to 30th, just 20 points behind Russia, who drop 3 to 29th, having plummeted in February.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

RJA wrote:
indiana wrote:
Interesting re Andy making himself available for September and huntley93 posing the question as to whether that would be a bit harsh on either James or Dan.
The thought did occur to me that Andy only made himself available for a play off tie in September tie because he assumed that we would lose to Russia.

I thought it was because it didn't interfere with his schedule as much as a tie immediately before the clay season. He always needs time to accustom himself to playing on clay, which doesn't come naturally to him - despite training on it in his early days.

Count Zero · Tennis legend

stunning effort by the lads over the weekend, obviously going into the weekend, was really doubtful that we would pick up any singles rubbers, so the performance from the lads on Sunday was phenomenal.

i don't see why Wimby WC's won't be an option, as we wont have many contenders for them anyway :(

RJA · Hall of fame

Madeline wrote:
RJA wrote:
indiana wrote:
Interesting re Andy making himself available for September and huntley93 posing the question as to whether that would be a bit harsh on either James or Dan.
The thought did occur to me that Andy only made himself available for a play off tie in September tie because he assumed that we would lose to Russia.
I thought it was because it didn't interfere with his schedule as much as a tie immediately before the clay season. He always needs time to accustom himself to playing on clay, which doesn't come naturally to him - despite training on it in his early days.

That was the reason given. You will however forgive me for being sceptical. Andy's commitment to Davis Cup clearly isn't great. Since the Poland tie in Sept 2009 he has only played twice, and then it was purely out of self interest as he needed to play two doubles ties with Jamie so that they clould play in the Olympics. I doubt he will be too thrilled about playing a September tie, especially as he will no doubt be hoping to be involved in a rather big match on a Monday evening in New York just a few days before the tie starts.

indiana · Tennis legend

I am guessing that the LTA's Wimbledon MD WC guidelines will be as definitive as usual re must be a player within the top 250 or exceptional young player to be considered for a WC recommendation.

They should really have such as "or exveptional circumstances" to cover such as injury or Davis Cup exploits. Still, they did manage to include Dan Cox two years ago, so...

RJA · Hall of fame

indiana wrote:
I am guessing that the LTA's Wimbledon MD WC guidelines will be as definitive as usual re must be a player within the top 250 or exceptional young player to be considered for a WC recommendation.

They should really have such as "or exveptional circumstances" to cover such as injury or Davis Cup exploits. Still, they did manage to include Dan Cox two years ago, so...

I think the "or exceptional circumstances" exists in reality even if it isn't officially confirmed.

wolf · Tennis legend

indiana wrote:
I am guessing that the LTA's Wimbledon MD WC guidelines will be as definitive as usual re must be a player within the top 250 or exceptional young player to be considered for a WC recommendation.

They should really have such as "or exveptional circumstances" to cover such as injury or Davis Cup exploits. Still, they did manage to include Dan Cox two years ago, so...

As well as Coxy, they also included Jamie Baker when he was just outside the top 250 and excluded Boggo when he was inside top 250 since they made those rules.

I'm not sure why they make such ridiculous criteria when they don't even stick to it.

korriban · Challenger level

wolf wrote:
indiana wrote:
I am guessing that the LTA's Wimbledon MD WC guidelines will be as definitive as usual re must be a player within the top 250 or exceptional young player to be considered for a WC recommendation.

They should really have such as "or exveptional circumstances" to cover such as injury or Davis Cup exploits. Still, they did manage to include Dan Cox two years ago, so...
As well as Coxy, they also included Jamie Baker when he was just outside the top 250 and excluded Boggo when he was inside top 250 since they made those rules.
I'm not sure why they make such ridiculous criteria when they don't even stick to it.

I think PR and image considerations once again took priority over common sense and pragmatism. The creation of the 250 ranking cut-off for WCs was probably targetted primarily towards public/press consumption (as another symbol of the LTA getting tough and avoiding embarassment at Wimbledon) rather than towards players to provide greater motivation. Once the LTA then selectively ignores it, as was inevitable, yet still talks it up, it can create even more bitterness and confusion. Far better to be open and have some WCs via play-offs (which does happen), plus the rest 100% at the LTA's discretion as was always the case - no need for criteria, no need to explain anything.....if you are worried, either qualify by ranking automatically like non-Brits have to or enter the WC play-offs. Your problem.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

An Historic Achievement - A Personal Perspective

Sitting here less than 24 hours on and almost 2000 miles away from the Ricoh Arena, I am still totally and unashamedly drunk on adrenaline. Wearing my DC T-shirt but no socks or sandals (Sorry Julia - close but no cigar wink ), I am completely incapable of focusing on either work or domestic matters that will have to wait a further 24 hours.

Walking to the Arena on Friday morning with the occasional snow flake interrupting my journey, I have to say I was unsure what to expect. But what ever my variety of predictions may have been, none of them came remotely close to the drama that was about to unfold.

I have to confess that I had never seen Dan Evans play. He went down a break in the first set, and then simply grabbed hold of Tursunov's shirt tail and clung on... and clung on ..... and clung on for almost 4 hours. I said on numerous occasions - to anyone willing to listen - when Tursunov moved away on the scoreboard, that he would run away with the match from that point. I must have sounded like a broken record because each time, Dan would fight back and the cycle would repeat itself. In truth, I never really got the feeling that Dan would win, but the performance was truly inspirational.

And that inspiration certainly rubbed off on James Ward who at 2 sets to love up looked "comfortable" in every sense of the word. Donskoy never really had a look in and Wardy was in complete control. By the back of the third set however, it appeared that Wardy's exertions were beginning to take their toll. I thought I sensed a leg injury but apparently that was just some slight cramping up. It was clear however, that he was half a yard slower to the ball and Donskoy fought back. Going into the 5th set, I feared the worst and where James found the energy from to reach 6-6 all, I will never know. At the end, he was distraught - a broken man, I feared and there was no chance of him regrouping for a second singles rubber. Oh Ye of little faith.

Walking back to my hotel, I was in a state of emotional confusion - inspired and exhilarated by the tennis that I had seen, yet completely deflated by the 0-2 scoreline. We deserved so much more. In so many ways, it would have been easier (emotionally at least) if we had been stuffed in straight sets in both rubbers, but to have been so close and yet still come away with nothing seemed like an injustice of the n'th degree.

Saturday's doubles was the mismatch that most people had expected. Some of the tennis was fabulous to watch and almost "exhibition" in nature, but it was all over too soon and by 3pm, we were left wondering what to do with ourselves. We wanted more. At least the "old ticker" had the chance to relax on the Saturday and recover somewhat from the exertions of the previous day.

The lack of tennis however, was more than compensated before by an evening shared with new friends, exchanging stories and opinions about the sport that we are all so passionate about. But I don't think any of us could have predicted that, with all that had gone before, the drama was only just beginning.

I had spoken briefly to Leon Smith on the Saturday night and requested 2 three set victories for Sunday, conscious of my impending flight back to Spain. It didn't quite work out that way, but quite frankly - who cares. James had clearly shaken off the emotional disappointment of Friday's defeat and came out firing. But Tursunov hung in there and in the middle of the match, appeared to have turned things around. At 2-5 in the 3rd set, Ward looked a spent force both physically and mentally. Somehow, perhaps through the amazing crowd support, he dragged it back to 5-5, and although he went on to lose that set, the small resurgence seemed to give him a second wind. Carried along on a wave of emotion and a mutual admiration between crowd and player, Ward conquered his Everest and achieved what none of us had dared to speak of throughout the match. The atmosphere was just wild.

Decisions, decisions. I seriously considered at that point, missing my flight back to Spain in order to watch the final rubber. But head won out over heart and I set off for the airport. It wasn't until I landed in Alicante that Steven's text confirmed to me the greatest comeback in 83 years. My shriek of delight was greeted with some strange looks from fellow passengers, but I didn't care. I was too busy re-reading the text - just to make sure I hadn't misread it.

So I just want to add my congratulations to the entire GB Davis Cup team on their historic achievement. There was undoubtedly a massive unity about the squad and a real sense of togetherness and self belief - and that has to reflect on the management.

If we happen to draw Spain away in the World Group playoff, I will see you all over here in September.

Jan · Hall of fame

thanks Bob - glad you had such a great time!

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Steven's thread has it as 13-15 September.

Edit: . . .and so does the Davis Cup site.

-- Edited by Madeline on Monday 8th of April 2013 09:34:01 PM

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Thanks for the great report Bob. I did enjoy reading it, great transmission of the event. Would love to have been there but am off on travels myself any minute.