Davis Cup 2014 - World Group Quarter-Final - 4-6 Apr - ITA v GB

RJA · Hall of fame

RE: Davis Cup 2014 - World Group Quarter-Final - 4-6 Apr - ITA v GB

indiana · Tennis legend

Indeed.

However, at least Marcus and Lewis ( though the focus seems clearly Marcus ) aquitted themselves well when they finally did make a foray into a Challenger, and the focus for them should probably be much more of this sort of level in the coming months and let their performances more speak for themselves. Good progress and they will rightfully get praise on this forum.

It is a pity that discussions about them get diverted by some of the err other stuff talked about them ( I decided to tread carefully there : ) ) and, in my view, some necessary responses.

gattolibero · Social player

I read all messages of the discussion but I think that neither Andy Murray nor Dan Evans nor James Ward could beat Fabio Fognini. Leon Smith has nothing to regret and in general the GB team, there was no player that could beat Fabio on the clay, unless he got injured. I don't think that Murray is better than Fabio on the clay, even if he won two Grand Slams.

There was no possibilities also against Seppi. Ward and Evans are not top 100, Seppi has just won two rounds in Montecarlo on the clay, where are playing Ward and Evo at the moment?

I think that James Ward played a good tennis in Naples, in particular against Fabio and if he plays like that he definitely deserve to be within the top 100. Also Italian journalists were surprised by him and asked him during press conference why he was so low in the ranking (he replied because of injuries in the last times, without taking them as excuses). I wish him to improve and get into 100 with Evo.

(sorry for my English, I am not mothertongue)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Hi, gatto and welcome :)

Great to hear from you - and pleased to hear that the Italian press were impressed with our James !

steven · Tennis legend

Grazie, gatto - it's always fascinating to get a non-GB point of view

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

Ha ha ! But luck no evo he would have shocked seppi

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

Be nice to play Italy next year on the grass at home !

indiana · Tennis legend

Yes, nice to hear from you, gattolibero. Seems a good summing up.

James did appear to be most people here's choice as GB's second singles player on clay in Italy ( he was certainly mine ). As to why he is not ranked much higher, yes he has had some injuries, but by far the main reason is his own annoying inconsistency. In some matches, he certainly looks as if he should be much higher ranked, then at other times, oh dear...

wolf · Tennis legend

I remember when James had a long stretch of time a few years ago when he had no points to defend and looked certain to make the top 100. But then he injured his wrist or something and never !over up.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

wolf wrote:
I remember when James had a long stretch of time a few years ago when he had no points to defend and looked certain to make the top 100. But then he injured his wrist or something and never !over up.

confuse

wolf · Tennis legend

Moved up.

gattolibero · Social player

Do you think that Ward will manage to get into TOP 100 in his career or will never manage it? Does he really have the potential (you know him better than me) or not?

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

gattolibero wrote:
Do you think that Ward will manage to get into TOP 100 in his career or will never manage it? Does he really have the potential (you know him better than me) or not?

If only you knew how many times we have asked ourselves that question here on this board.

Does he have the potential to make Top 100 ? Yes

Will he ever actually reach the Top 100 ? Sadly I doubt it.

Come on Wardy. Prove me wrong.

On a separate note, I was one of those who travelled over to Naples for the the Davis Cup. And with the exception of one taxi ride, I actually had a fantastic time. The people were great and the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing at times.

gattolibero · Social player

Bob in Spain wrote:
On a separate note, I was one of those who travelled over to Naples for the the Davis Cup. And with the exception of one taxi ride, I actually had a fantastic time. The people were great and the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing at times.

Good to hear that! I felt ashamed for the condition of the court in Naples, I would have preferred Foro Italico in Rome to show to the world, nice courts on the clay, beautiful scenario and same chances to win. Of course the atmosphere in Naples was a huge support for the Italian team (that's why they chose it), maybe Rome would not have been the same.

-- Edited by gattolibero on Monday 28th of April 2014 02:27:48 PM

EddietheEagle · County player

Prior to their match, the Italian tifosi I spoke to were all very respectful of Murray and made him the favourite over Fognini.

The last time GB played in Rome at the Foro Italico, Mottram gave Panatta a good pasting on clay (bagelled him in one set, I think), contrary to expectation. On the other hand, Panatta and teammates, including Barazutti, beat GB on grass at Wimbledon. FIT (Italian federation) chose well in picking Naples, particularly on the last day when they let all the lazzaroni in free of charge to fill the empty seats. I thought the court was ok generally, apart from that one patch in the corner that didn't seem to bother Ward, Bolelli or Seppi, only the showmen.