Fed Cup 2014 - Europe/Africa Zone Group I

philwrig · Hall of fame

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

indiana · Tennis legend

I think Laura will need to have found much more convincing fitness AND form to get a singles berth. OK, the two are linked, well at least due to lack of match practice. But a lot of what she was doing yesterday wasn't pretty.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

I think if Laura is fit then she plays singles and doubles. She looked a long way off her best on Monday, but JoKo only won the same number of games in her last match against a far weaker opponent. Unless Laura plays and does well in Paris (unlikely) we could really do with avoiding Romania as first match. Latvia first up against the world number 220 odd would be ideal for Laura.

The fact that Heather will be our No. 2 player regardless should be to our advantage. She is our best player at this moment in time and her matching up against the Romanian No. 2 gives us a much better chance of a singles win.

PaulM · Tennis legend

Noone on our team would beat Niculescu or Halep, I don't think. Cirstea is so hot and cold that she is beatable.

I'm not convinced that Halep will play, unless she is choosing this year to try and secure Rio (possibility), which would be unfortunate, but unless they lose 2 of the top 3 I can't really see us beating them (sorry to be pesimistic!).

philwrig · Hall of fame

Halep though played in 2012, and she is playing with Cadantu in the Oz women's doubles ( not in the team but still a Romanian ) Hope you're right though. If she doesn't play Niculescu will still be number 2 and a very tough draw.
Also worth noting that Cirstea is playing with Niculescu in the Oz doubles.

-- Edited by philwrig on Tuesday 14th of January 2014 09:37:09 PM

PaulM · Tennis legend

philwrig wrote:
Halep though played in 2012, and she is playing with Cadantu in the Oz women's doubles ( not in the team but still a Romanian ) Hope you're right though. If she doesn't play Niculescu will still be number 2 and a very tough draw.
Also worth noting that Cirstea is playing with Niculescu in the Oz doubles.

-- Edited by philwrig on Tuesday 14th of January 2014 09:37:09 PM

Yes I spotted that, I'm not sure Halep playing in 2012 tells us anything really, other than she's not one of those players who refuses to turn out for their country. However obviously she is in a very different place in her career now.

I wouldn't be that surprised to see a lot of the top players turn out this year, secure their Rio eligibility (right through the groups, Woz being nominated for Denmark for example) and then not appear again in the next couple of years if they are not promoted.

I'd need to double check, but in the past I'm sure the rule was just that you had to have made yourself available for selection for Fed Cup to be eligible for the Olympics, but there's something in the back of my mind telling me that was changed and you now actually need to be involved in a tie (so I think being an unused squad member counts, but being initially nominated and then pulling out before the event doesn't). Could well be wrong though!

PaulM · Tennis legend

Laura has withdrawn from Paris.

I certainly wouldn't be putting her in against Babos or the Romanian #1 (whoever it ends up being) cold. Hopefully we get Latvia on day 1, although Marcinkevica can hit a good ball indoors.

-- Edited by PaulM on Friday 17th of January 2014 12:23:52 PM

philwrig · Hall of fame

Laura remains a big doubt for the Fed Cup, she wants to play, but ultimately if her consultant recommends further rest, she won't be there. The decision will be left as late as possible. It seems that the organisers are still unsure whether to have a 6 day comp and pad it out or whether to revert to 4 days with rest days in between. Team GB are scheduled to arrive late Saturday, as the venue will not be available for practice until Sunday.

It also seems that the organisers are fully expecting Azerenka to still take part.

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

philwrig wrote:
Laura remains a big doubt for the Fed Cup, she wants to play, but ultimately if her consultant recommends further rest, she won't be there. The decision will be left as late as possible. It seems that the organisers are still unsure whether to have a 6 day comp and pad it out or whether to revert to 4 days with rest days in between. Team GB are scheduled to arrive late Saturday, as the venue will not be available for practice until Sunday.

It also seems that the organisers are fully expecting Azerenka to still take part.

So less than 2 weeks to go and they haven't even decided how to run the event yet. Sounds highly organised!

indiana · Tennis legend

Here's an idea. Have a meeting and decide on the schedule ASAP ( or just someone decide ! )

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

indiana wrote:
Here's an idea. Have a meeting and decide on the schedule ASAP ( or just someone decide ! )

Now there's a thought smile . And. elaborating on the theme, what about:

have a meeting (or not), decide on the schedule, let everyone know and then don't change it.

indiana · Tennis legend

With Casualty Ward 7 and still concerns over Laura and with Jo retiring today, looking rather upset, I've heard no mention of even a first reserve in waiting.

Naomi is down for 50Ks in Australia next week and Fed Cup week, and I have no idea what part of the world she is right now, but I'd like to think the LTA know. Sam keeps withdrawing from tournaments so injured ? Lisa and Amanda are on the injury / recuperating list. So nice to see you in form, Jade ! Oh, and Katie D, leave your number too ( oh, are you injured as well ? )

wolf · Tennis legend

I would have thought they might be looking at Jocelyn or Anna with an eye to the doubles. Jocelyn performed admirably well when called up a few years ago.

PaulM · Tennis legend

I agree with wolf that if laura pulls out they will bring in someone to support hev in doibles and joss seems like a possible choice. They teamed up last time

philwrig · Hall of fame

Sam is recovering from a wrist problem, so isn't available.

I agree with Wolf that if either or both Laura/JoKo are unavailable, they will certainly look at a doubles option rather than definitely just another singles player.