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

indiana · Tennis legend

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

RJA · Hall of fame

I suspect that Kyle is going to need to do something fairly spectacular to be picked for this tie.

indiana · Tennis legend

Err : "although of course how James and Evo have played in previous ties is part of the consideration".

Basically, a balanced overall consideration come September of who is most likely to get the job done in a Davis Cup World Group play-off tie in Croatia at the venue and on the surface they choose.

I think Leon.Smith is pretty pragmatic so I would imagine that will be exactly his thinking.

korriban · Challenger level

James' and Evo's recent efforts definitely should be part of the consideration for selection. As should clay court ability, clay court success, and form going into the event. If someone else is a better bet to win on clay by September, it wouldnt be too difficult a conversation to havewith both of them. But James surely has it in his grasp as of today.....

DavidC · Tennis legend

Tennis36 wrote:
Just read an article on Kyle with a fair few quotes, and interestingly he says he was gutted not to play this tie and Leon said he was very close to being picked. He's aiming for that second spot with Murray in September and reckons he can get it. It also says he will be seeded 4th for the French juniors which is good. http://m.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story.html?aid=18652833

Interesting article but inaccurate regarding the French Open seedings. The entry deadline is in May and seedings are determined by rankings at the time of draw. Kyle's seeding position will depend on his ATP ranking at that point. His current ranking is equivalent to JWR15, but if he can get his ATP ranking up to 450 then that would be equivalent to JWR 4, and he may have been alluding to this. Precisely where he will be seeded would still depend though on how many of the players ranked above him enter and actually sign in for the draw.

steven · Tennis legend

The whole article reeks of the Kyle saying "possibly" and stuff like that and the journo hearing what they wanted to hear.

Though I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Kyle making a strong bid for a place in the DC team next year.

murray_2k9 · Challenger qualifying

I was referring to the initial post by Korriban, Indiana, not to yours, though it seems everyone is on the same wavelength regarding selection.

I can definitely see Kyle being a big threat at RG, particularly if his form continues to improve on the clay. I agree steven, I think it would be very disappointing if we didnt have Kyle, Oli, Liam etc challenging for a DC spot within the next 12-18 months. As soon as one of them comes within touching distance of top 200 I can see them getting the spot. I would love to see Evo use this as motivation to improve though; he and Donskoy are virtually the same age and played in FO juniors yet have gone in different directions through work ethic alone.

If this DC win and a MDWC into Wimbledon cant fire him up then it will be a massive shame indeed.

indiana · Tennis legend

Apologies, murray, I got slightly thrown by the initial "you both" and then 'you" so just repeatef half my original post.

Yes, will be great if some of the younger players are challenging for a Davis Cup spot within 12 to 18 months, though at this stage I can only see that being Kyle and possibly.Oli, though ( and accepting his recent injury issue ) he has to show quite a bit of renewed momentum in his progress.

Touching distance or even inside the top 200 would be great, but for me a Davis Cup spot should only come with that if they are most likely to help get the win. If at whatever time James, Evo, Jamie or whoever are more likely candidates for this then they should play.

I am very much for getting the best team out from the available players, and if that meams say Kyle has to bide his time a bit, so be it.

Reeltime · Satellite level

Interesting. Reports that Cilic might not play in this tie...

Apparently his brother gets married that weekend

-- Edited by Reeltime on Tuesday 16th of April 2013 04:12:35 PM

RJA · Hall of fame

Reeltime wrote:
Interesting. Reports that Cilic might not play in this tie...

Apparently his brother gets married that weekend

Useful excuse to avoid being thrashed by Andy yet again wink

korriban · Challenger level

First blood to James Ward in the battle for the #2 berth. Still plenty of clay court tournaments left to change the pecking order, but today was fairly clear cut.

scottie1 · Futures level

Unless Kyle Edmund does a young Andy Murray in the next few months he is not going to be selected for the DAvis Cup. Yes he is probably the best prospect for his age in Uk but let the guy develop without putting additional pressure on him. We definitely dont want him to end up like Miles Kasiri lost to the game forever!

indiana · Tennis legend

Indeed, scottie.

Actually to me there was little to suggest that Kyle would get the better of James today, and it is not at all unexpected that a reasonably competitive match but clear win for James ensued.

Kyle looks a really good prospect, if looking like no potential world beater yet. However, while I'd be extremely surprised if he was close to a Davis Cup selection vs Russia, clay in Croatia plus natural progression should give him more of a shot of a place there. Still though, to me, at this stage only an outside shot for the Croatia match, especially if Andy is back.

All the best to Kyle and I hope he progresses really well and if and when he's good enough put him in the Davis Cup team, be it this year, next year or thereaftet.

philwrig · Hall of fame

My best guess is it will be 2/3 years before Kyle becomes a DC regular.

Spectator · All-time great

Indeed. Today's was a decent scoreline, which given the discrepancy in rankings and ages is quite good enough. One step at a time.