RJA wrote:

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murray_2k9 wrote:

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The decision was absurd in my opinion and it was Judys first slip up as captain, though only really because Laura let the side down does it appear as bad as it was.

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I seriously have to take exception to this. I get that you are frustrated by what happened today but this assertion is out of order. Laura's defeat today was disappointing but as the only person on the team to win a match she cannot possibly be said to have "let the side down".

-- Edited by RJA on Sunday 21st of April 2013 11:16:05 PM

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Strikers are there to score goals, fielders are there to make catches. If they fail to do so, I see that as them letting their side down. Laura, as favourites in the rankings and in my opinion the far better player, was there to win her two singles rubbers. The fact she didnt means in my eyes, she let the side down to an extent. I would say the same if Murray or Serena lost a rubber they were expected to win. Whether Laura liked it or not, she was pivotal to us winning that tie. You may believe Ormaechae is a better player than Laura on clay or in general and that the loss was expected but I do not and neither do I think you should take exception the fact I have expressed an opinion. 

That said, in my previous post I apologised for being overly critical of Laura, because I do not think it was a case of Laura not trying hard enough. I have supported Laura and Heather for many years and will continue to do so throughout their careers, but part of sport is facing the fact that fans have an expectation of you. Laura fell short of my expectation this weekend and that shouldnt be seen as an insult or an attack on her in any way, shape or form. Perhaps it would be best worded as 'Lauras loss let the side down' as mathematically it gave us a very difficult challenge indeed.

Indy, I very much appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the selection and agree that there is little point going back and forth but ultimately I didnt feel the likelihood that Johanna would lose was anywhere near enough to justify the risk that Elena's selection posed. Oh and goodnight to you too!

philwrig wrote:

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Home field advantage would have made a huge difference.

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 But Laura WON the second set against Paula going into the third. The match was there for the taking. The issue is why she is collapsing at the end of 3 set matches, all over the world, on different surfaces against different players. Cant see how playing at home makes a clear difference to this particular issue.

Next year hopefully

indiana wrote:

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Re Bally's fitness, korriban, last week would certainly be a worry if it went to a third set ( though she has had another week's prep ). The thing is though, I don't see it going to a third set.

For me, Bally to win in straight sets.

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If I were the Argentinian Captain, my call to the player would be NOT to attack Bally at all, keep the rallies as long as possible with maximum net clearance, and assume she will wilt on long points and get it to set 3. Hope you are right on this one.

And so far so good at 4-4, but if this first set slips for any reason, I'm VERY worried about fitness. Come on bally!