Fed Cup 2014 - Europe/Africa Zone Group I

philwrig · Hall of fame

RE: Fed Cup 2014 - Europe/Africa Zone Group I

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

It's a shame if Tunisia felt that they couldn't compete due to political/religious reasons as I never like seeing that get in the way of sport. In tennis terms, Tunisia were never going to be a factor though and it tidies up the competition having 16 teams. Looks like I might want to rearrange some of my holiday plans too, as this event will now likely be 4 days rather than 6. At least I have booked my flight back for Sunday evening rather than Monday, and I can use the extra time for a bit of sightseeing.

As for the draw, getting Romania is not ideal to say the least, but Hungary and Latvia don't look particularly strong and it will all come down to that Romania match. With the current teams, Romania would be favourites but Heather against Cirstea is a good match up for us as Hev leads the H2H 2-0.

PaulM · Tennis legend

It looks like it's the winners of A vs B and C vs D this year

Although D contains a potential Azarenka/Govortsova combination (I'm not convinced either or both will show, they were down to play last year too from memory), A is certainly the toughest group on paper with Belgium, Croatia and the Netherlands.

I don't think Romania will send a full strength team, last year only Cirstea went and they really struggled.

steven · Tennis legend

PaulM wrote:
It looks like it's the winners of A vs B and C vs D this year

Although D contains a potential Azarenka/Govortsova combination (I'm not convinced either or both will show, they were down to play last year too from memory), A is certainly the toughest group on paper with Belgium, Croatia and the Netherlands.

I don't think Romania will send a full strength team, last year only Cirstea went and they really struggled.

The Fed Cup site seems to make it pretty clear that it will be A v D and B v C:

"Elsewhere in Europe/Africa Zone Group I, Great Britain were given a testing draw with hosts Hungary, Romania (arguably the dark horse of this year's event with two players in the Top 25) and Latvia.

The winner of that group will play the winner of a pool that will be contested by Ukraine, Austria, Slovenia and Israel."

Read more at http://www.fedcup.com/en/news/163827.aspx#qgDqvCcJ7xZlE0be.99

As for the powers that be in Tunisia ... well, I'd hate to be a Tunisian player.

steven · Tennis legend

tony_orient wrote:
It's a shame if Tunisia felt that they couldn't compete due to political/religious reasons as I never like seeing that get in the way of sport. In tennis terms, Tunisia were never going to be a factor though and it tidies up the competition having 16 teams. Looks like I might want to rearrange some of my holiday plans too, as this event will now likely be 4 days rather than 6. At least I have booked my flight back for Sunday evening rather than Monday, and I can use the extra time for a bit of sightseeing.

As for the draw, getting Romania is not ideal to say the least, but Hungary and Latvia don't look particularly strong and it will all come down to that Romania match. With the current teams, Romania would be favourites but Heather against Cirstea is a good match up for us as Hev leads the H2H 2-0.

Laura has a 1-0 H2H v Halep too, albeit from 2010 and very close.

Of course, much will depend on whether the teams remain the same between now and then.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

If we get through the group, then we would play the winner of Ukraine's group, based on the Fed Cup website article: http://www.fedcup.com/en/news/163827.aspx

Spectator · All-time great

Tunisia's federation pulled Malek Jaziri out of a match with an Israeli last year as well. The ITF took a dim view and banned them from Davis Cup for a year. Tunisia therefore won't be competing in either men's or women's team events in 2014.

Romania a tough draw - but Ms Watson's performance today is encouraging.

philwrig · Hall of fame

Personally I think Romania will send a strong team, but at least Cirstea is out of form. Hoping maybe Hev can win the second match, and it would go to a deciding doubles. For me the key is the participation of Niculescu, if she's there, she's in form and a very good doubles player. She's played alot of Fed Cup so I'm guessing she will be there.

I may have to resort to plan B, maybe put a little bit of Arsenic in there breakfast prematch, as I'm staying at the official hotel #jokes

I don't think you can underestimate Hungary either, being the home team.

PaulM · Tennis legend

Thanks Steven, I was told elsewhere it was A vs B and so on before that article was updated.

Small slice of good news, although Austria look solid I think that group is the weakest.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

philwrig wrote:
tony_orient wrote:
philwrig wrote:
GB team : Robbo ( if fit ), Hev, JoKo, Tara .
No surprises, but we need the top 3 to be fit and in reasonable form.
Belgian team : very strong ( Flipper, Wickmayer, Van Uyt.., Mestach )

So Croatia have left out 2 strong players Konjuh/ Tom.
Luckily I don't think we can play Belgium as the two top ranked teams (not 100% sure of the rules for the draw though).

I'm waiting to see which side Romania nominate they they could field a very strong line up.
Edit: Romania pick Halep, Cirstea, Niculescu and Begu - we definitely want to avoid them in our group

As I'm going to Budapest for this event, I have mixed feelings about teams picking strong line ups - it would be good for entertainment with more top players there, and good for GB if they don't turn up.

-- Edited by tony_orient on Monday 6th of January 2014 05:39:11 PM
Tony, have you bought your ticket yet ?, and if you have, which type did you buy, and which delivery option did you go for.The main reason I ask, is that for the 10000 one they don't offer the print online delivery option which is the cheapest. Perplexed !!

This ticket problem might now be a blessing in disguise. If they reduce the event to 4 days and keep the free Saturday, then individual day tickets will only add to 7,500. They might change plans now as Saturday could now become the pivotal day for qualifying.

indiana · Tennis legend

Hmm, wonder what will happen to Tunisia. Be "awarded" one of the relegation places ?

Not that GB should be having any concern with relegation, even though at present I could see our no 1 and 2 singles players being Jo and Heather respectively.

philwrig · Hall of fame

tony_orient wrote:
philwrig wrote:
tony_orient wrote:
philwrig wrote:
GB team : Robbo ( if fit ), Hev, JoKo, Tara .
No surprises, but we need the top 3 to be fit and in reasonable form.
Belgian team : very strong ( Flipper, Wickmayer, Van Uyt.., Mestach )

So Croatia have left out 2 strong players Konjuh/ Tom.
Luckily I don't think we can play Belgium as the two top ranked teams (not 100% sure of the rules for the draw though).

I'm waiting to see which side Romania nominate they they could field a very strong line up.
Edit: Romania pick Halep, Cirstea, Niculescu and Begu - we definitely want to avoid them in our group

As I'm going to Budapest for this event, I have mixed feelings about teams picking strong line ups - it would be good for entertainment with more top players there, and good for GB if they don't turn up.

-- Edited by tony_orient on Monday 6th of January 2014 05:39:11 PM
Tony, have you bought your ticket yet ?, and if you have, which type did you buy, and which delivery option did you go for.The main reason I ask, is that for the 10000 one they don't offer the print online delivery option which is the cheapest. Perplexed !!
This ticket problem might now be a blessing in disguise. If they reduce the event to 4 days and keep the free Saturday, then individual day tickets will only add to 7,500. They might change plans now as Saturday could now become the pivotal day for qualifying.

The revised schedule will be interesting, they might still have the playoffs on Sunday and start on Thursday, but the ticketing is a bit of a mess at the moment.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

Hopefully they decide (and announce it) quickly whatever revised schedule they go for.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

Halep a bagel set up in 20 minutes. Someone needs to convince her that she can't be bothered with this Fed Cup lark...

LordBrownof · Futures level

I think your point about Niculescu is a good one. And if she does participate and Laura still isn't 100%, I'd consider Jo and Hev for singles and a Laura/Hev doubles team.