Davis Cup 2013 - World Group Playoff - Croatia v GB - 13-15 September

steven · Tennis legend

RE: Davis Cup 2013 - World Group Playoff - Croatia v GB - 13-15 September

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Davis Cup ✔ @DavisCup

Great Britain v Croatia draw: Coric v Murray, Dodig v Evans, Dodig/Pavic v Murray/Fleming, Dodig v Murray, Coric v Evans

I'm thinking the 'Murray' in the doubles could even be a typo. (Murray/Marray - all looks the same!)

Otherwise, yes, there's no sense in dropping James.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

I suppose it doesn't make any difference who is down to play doubles as it can be changed, but it might depend on how quickly Andy can win his match tomorrow. If he wins easily then three matches in a row will seem less of an effort.

korriban · Challenger level

I think there's a lot of sense in Croatia opting for Borna in the opening match.

1. Above all, I think it says that they have absolutely no expectation whatsoever that any of their #2 players stands the remotest chance in picking up a point against Andy. In that sense, it frankly makes no difference who they pick - unless Andy is injured they will all lose - and if Andy is injured, they would all be in the same boat.

2. Borna looks like he is the long term future for Croatian tennis, so it makes some sense to give him the chance to experience a live match, yet with no pressure whatsoever. Furthermore, he must be confident enough in himself after the USO Juniors that it won't be complete carnage - and that he will thoroughly enjoy the experience. Picking him won't affect the outcome this weekend, but it could benefit Borna and Croatia long term.

3. When (and not if) Borna loses against Andy, it allows Croatia to pick Veic for the battle of the #2s, completely fresh and with no baggage from a losing opening rubber. Dan will be playing with 3-5 sets behind him, and on the balance of probabilities (ranking, surface, crowd) a loss to his name after his match with Dodig (although I think, once again, it could be close and Dan has a real chance).

By dropping James, I think it suggests that he wasn't playing well enough on the clay (or in general) to justify him coming in as cover for Dan under any circumstances. In other words, Leon thinks James will lose against both Dodig and Veic, so he is surplus to requirements. Dan has a chance against Dodig and ought to be slight favourite against Veic. And now we have excellent options for the doubles, and the chance to rest Andy (not that a match angainst Coric, then a doubles next day should be too arduous anyway).

I can't wait to see Coric play.

Bob in Croatia · Improver

Well so much for Beechy telling me that the guys were on court to practise at 12 o'clock. Got down there at 10 past and there was no one in sight. Apparently, 12 o'clock was the only time when NOBODY could be practising because that was the official time for the draw.

They are currently having lunch and then some of them will practise this afternoon. Got that from Jonny Marray so probably a bit more reliable wink

And I hate to tell you all this, but the weather is absolutely fabulous and the setting is stunning. smile

Also, bought my tickets today. Price was 13 euros for a 3 day pass !!

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

What a fab price !!!

LTA - are you reading this ?

Enjoy, Bob - and keep us up to date when you get a moment . . .

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Well, you're a VIP to us anyway !

An undeniably Very Important Person - who else can give us the Croatian low-down ?

Given that 13 euros for 3 days is, what, about GBP 3.50 a day ?

Makes me think of that GB 10k futures that was charging people five pounds for a day entry . . . (and I'm not going to start on the like of Queens . . . )

scottie1 · Futures level

korriban wrote:
I think there's a lot of sense in Croatia opting for Borna in the opening match.
1. Above all, I think it says that they have absolutely no expectation whatsoever that any of their #2 players stands the remotest chance in picking up a point against Andy. In that sense, it frankly makes no difference who they pick - unless Andy is injured they will all lose - and if Andy is injured, they would all be in the same boat.
2. Borna looks like he is the long term future for Croatian tennis, so it makes some sense to give him the chance to experience a live match, yet with no pressure whatsoever. Furthermore, he must be confident enough in himself after the USO Juniors that it won't be complete carnage - and that he will thoroughly enjoy the experience. Picking him won't affect the outcome this weekend, but it could benefit Borna and Croatia long term.
3. When (and not if) Borna loses against Andy, it allows Croatia to pick Veic for the battle of the #2s, completely fresh and with no baggage from a losing opening rubber. Dan will be playing with 3-5 sets behind him, and on the balance of probabilities (ranking, surface, crowd) a loss to his name after his match with Dodig (although I think, once again, it could be close and Dan has a real chance).

By dropping James, I think it suggests that he wasn't playing well enough on the clay (or in general) to justify him coming in as cover for Dan under any circumstances. In other words, Leon thinks James will lose against both Dodig and Veic, so he is surplus to requirements. Dan has a chance against Dodig and ought to be slight favourite against Veic. And now we have excellent options for the doubles, and the chance to rest Andy (not that a match angainst Coric, then a doubles next day should be too arduous anyway).
I can't wait to see Coric play.

I saw Coric play in Edinburgh in May he has loads of ability. He strutted round as he had won the previous tournament in Bournemouth. He got beat by a British player in Edinburgh possibly Ashley Hewitt I think.

Bob in Croatia · Improver

Not that I am trying to make anyone jealous or anything, but here is the view from my hotel room

korriban · Challenger level

Re Coric and giving a young player exposure to the best in the world.

By a complete coincidence, when I was in Corsica over the summer, Novak Djokovic arrived the same day we did for a mini break, spending 3-4 days 5km up the road in Calvi at one of the top hotels. Despite being on holiday, he practiced every day with local up and coming player Laurent Lokoli (18 years old) in front of an army of watching people, and did a lot of excellent PR for children. We didn't go along, but it was all over the papers, and everyone in Calvi was talking about it the following week.

What's fascinating is that Lokoli is a good, but not "noted" first year pro, and was ranked about 700-750 or so before he trained with Novak. The very next week after they practiced together, he flew to Finland and won a Futures there, then backed this up the very next week with yet another Futures tournament win, and this week he has qualified for the Challenger in Morocco, and has reached the QFs and is still going.......

.....it's incredible what exposure to the very best can do for your confidence and belief. I'm sure part of what is going on here is that Lokoli has remained in contact with Novak and that he is almost performing "for" him, showing him what he has learned and that he belongs. So I think it's great that Coric will be playing Andy, and in the unlikely event that he plays Dan in the last rubber, it wouldn't surprise me if he causes a few palpitations.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

I've always loved Lokoli - super talented but very laid back and fun-loving, in a classic Corsican way . . . .

I bet it was a real eye-opener for him. There was a report in :

www.lagazettedutennis.net/2013/07/31/laurent-lokoli-sen-souviendra/

I agree,, Korriban - small things can make a huge difference in young players lives and careers.

philwrig · Hall of fame

From what I know about Coric is that he has a straightish up and down game, keeping his UEs to a minimum. Conditions suited him in Bournemouth but of course he's improved since then.

The dubs looks to be the key and we must start heavy favourites for that, whatever combination we put out.

philwrig · Hall of fame

Bob in Croatia wrote:
Well so much for Beechy telling me that the guys were on court to practise at 12 o'clock. Got down there at 10 past and there was no one in sight. Apparently, 12 o'clock was the only time when NOBODY could be practising because that was the official time for the draw.

They are currently having lunch and then some of them will practise this afternoon. Got that from Jonny Marray so probably a bit more reliable
And I hate to tell you all this, but the weather is absolutely fabulous and the setting is stunning.
Also, bought my tickets today. Price was 13 euros for a 3 day pass !!

Haha about Beechy, I was lucky when I went to Sweden for the FedCup that I was staying at the same hotel as all the players etc., so that I could ask them at breakfast when their practice times where.

I was also surprised about the cost of tickets in Sweden , way lower than UK comparable prices, eventhough the hotel rooms were costing the earth.

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Bob in Croatia wrote:
Not that I am trying to make anyone jealous or anything, but here is the view from my hotel room

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Beats Coventry !

How wonderful. Wish I had been organised enough to get over there.