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

TMH · Futures qualifying

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

RJA · Hall of fame

TMH wrote:
Similar singles situation as last time then but Evans in for Edmund with Leon to decide between James and Dan later on (presumably they'll play off against each other).

But no BBD?

Hardly a surprise that Dom has been left out. If Ross is back to full fitness (or near it) he is a much more logical choice to partner Colin.

As for the singles, you might as well toss a coin for the day 1 match. I don't think either James or Dan have a prayer against Fognini on clay.

indiana · Tennis legend

Good to see that Evo is still very much in the picture. I must say that though he may well play an indicative match against James, and if so quite a bit would presumably rest on how it went, I would be very surprised if this was a match to absolutely decide our second singles player. To me, Leon is too pragmatic to go solely by the result of such a match-up.

I take what RJA says and longer term Colin and Ross look clearly to be the likely choice. But I am still rather surprised that he is in the mix ahead of Dom at this stage..

I would think though that they really do want to play Andy in the doubles. While naming both James and Dan could well be just not to distinguish between them at this stage, as long as both are in decent nick I would expect the final team to include both. Therefore Andy plays doubles with Colin and we have singles back up for the potentially crucial final rubber.

If there is already a fairly strong intention to play Andy in the doubles then I am a bit more understanding of involving Ross here, though I'd still have expected it to be Dom.

philwrig · Hall of fame

Ross invited back into the fold some might argue a little ahead of time, Dom and Jonny may feel a tad agrieved, but overall you can't really grumble with the team selected.

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

I'm with Indy on this, surprised Ross is named ahead of Dom but I'd read the team selection as being Andy three days and then two back up singles players with Ross number 5 more from loyalty to the guy than any real intention to let him play or even join the four man squad this soon after his return.

I'd also say I have more faith in Leon Smith than any of our previous Davis Cup Captains and I've been surprised by him before with decisions which have always worked out so whatever happens I am at least confident he will be making the right choices.

wolf · Tennis legend

Italy have gone with Fognini, Seppi, Lorenzi and Bolelli.

paulisi · Tennis legend

Rumours from sky presenters that Fognini is a doubt for the tie.

Spectator · All-time great

Mr Smith's selections seem sensible: Mr Inglot didn't do very well on the one clay match he played this year, and wouldn't necessarily have felt confident going into the DC. Three singles players and a doubles player seemed a logical choice ... and with Mr Fleming the most consistent over time and the most experienced at playing with Mr Murray, it's no great surprise that he was chosen.

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

On the BBC tennis homepage, it's says that they are only covering Friday and Saturday. Does anyone know whether this is correct or not? Are they expecting us to have won/lost in three?

philwrig · Hall of fame

Helen40 wrote:
On the BBC tennis homepage, it's says that they are only covering Friday and Saturday. Does anyone know whether this is correct or not? Are they expecting us to have won/lost in three?

I've had a quick look on the guide, and its seems like its Beeb2 on Friday and Beeb1 on Saturday/Sunday.

LouieG · County player

When will our 1 & 2 be confirmed?

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Oh dear. What awful news to wake up to. It's going to be very difficult to win now unless Wardy and Evo can pull off shocks against probably Seppi. I do think Colin and Ross will start favourites in the doubles though.

Get well soon Andy. I really hope this doesn't mean another op.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Tuesday 1st of April 2014 07:13:41 AM

LouieG · County player

April fools

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

LouieG wrote:
April fools

Spoil sport disbelief wink

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Tuesday 1st of April 2014 08:35:36 AM

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Haha had me going!!