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

indiana · Tennis legend

Interesting. As stated earlier in the thread, I have always thought this tie could be on hard, and certainly not rushed to the seeming judgement of some that you just stick GB on the red stuff whenever you have the chance.

As I previously indicated, I could see Cilic being at least as troublesome for Andy on hard as on clay and it is interesting what his own preference is on the face of it, although there is an acknowledgement also that all things being equal GB would also prefer hard.

Also, I have never seen doubles as being as surface effected as singles.

May be games ( though I actually doubt it ), may end up on hard, may end up on clay. Time will tell.

Count Zero · Tennis legend

maybe he's also thinking for personal reasons he wants indoor hard practice at that time of the year and doesn't fancy having to prepare for clay.

korriban · Challenger level

Cilic just beat Anderson on clay today- a man hot from winning the 250 clay event in Casablanca last week. Whilst it may not be his best surface, surely clay gives Croatia by far its best chance of winning across the whole team. I think this is probably just a bum steer.....

PaulM · Tennis legend

I just can't see Andy losing to Cilic on an indoor hardcourt. I also can't see our doubles pair losing. If its a quick hardcourt, then on a good day our #2 could take out the somewhat unexciting Dodig.

If it's a very slow hardcourt (like the one Sweden used against GB in Boras) then I could maybe see some logic in that decision, but I just think that if you take the tie in the round clay would be the best option for Croatia.

I think the problem is that Cilic's favoured surface is likely to suit Andy just as much, and in trying to expose any weakness he has surface wise, they are probably going to be looking at surfaces Cilic isn't so keen on either.

-- Edited by PaulM on Thursday 18th of April 2013 12:36:29 PM

indiana · Tennis legend

I think I'd be looking for more evidence than Cilic picking up an expected Monte Carlo victory over that not particularly renouned clay court performer, Kevin Anderson. Yep, he has done well at the rather lower stage Morocco tournament, though may have had some reaction, but I would have been expecting a Cilic win here whatever.

Cilic himself simply isn't relatively that great on clay ( though certainly not bad ) and pointing to one win ( and that particular win ) like that doesn't change that fact.

No, I just don't see clay vs hard for the Davis Cup tie as particularly clear cut.

korriban · Challenger level

Indy. You may be right about Cilic on clay, even though his recent victim, Mr Anderson, thrashed Pablo Carreno-Busta so brutally on clay last week to give him his first loss in 40 matches that you could only laugh or cry. And I did say it was his worst surface.

I think the bigger point was more about clay being the worst surface for Andy (not that it should make a difference), our GB #2s and our doubles team (where it definitely does make a difference), rather than about Cilic (who is almost sure to win 1, and lose 1 whatever surface). Team before individual.

But I still wouldn't bet against you being right come September. biggrin

indiana · Tennis legend

Oh, I have never actually gone either way on this. I just think it is debatable and in the balance, and that is taking a team view for Croatia. Cilic may arguably have more chance against Andy in Croatia than Croatia's doubles pair have of beating the GB doubles pair. I don't go with any assumption that the singles matches are almost certainly going to be split and the tie be won on the doubles.

And if the Cilic vs Murray match is indeed the pivotal one, I again question which surface is better for Cilic for that match.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

So the venue has been decided and we will be playing on the clay in Umag, in the north of Croatia. (Courtesy of Steven's tweet)

For me, two words spring to mind.

That's driveable !!

I will have to check flights etc. to see if there is a better and cheaper option, but for me, it is the same distance as the Channel Tunnel if I am driving back to the UK - something I have done on various occasions.

See you all in Umag.

murray_2k9 · Challenger qualifying

Ah as expected - trying their best to neutralise Murrays impact on the tie. I still see us going 2-0 up courtesy of Muzza and hopefully clinching it in the doubles!

DF · Tennis legend

Ivo Karlovic in hospital with viral meningitis

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

I don't think he would have been playing anyway. Get better soon, Dr. Ivo.

RJA · Hall of fame

Given the rumours coming out this evening it would seem that Cilic's availability for this tie must be in question.

Sally · Grand Slam Champion

RJA wrote:
Given the rumours coming out this evening it would seem that Cilic's availability for this tie must be in question.

What's that rumour? I've been rooted to here most of the evening so I'm in the dark!

philwrig · Hall of fame

Apparently might be serving a 3 month silent doping ban.