Davis Cup 2015 - World Group Quarter Final - 17th-19th July

GBJ · Club Coach

RE: Davis Cup 2015 - World Group Quarter Final - 17th-19th July

Sim · County player

Kyle's 5 set victory yesterday in a pressure situation and his recent form must make him a serious contender for the GB no. 2 spot.

James has the proven track record in Davis Cup but his form since Glasgow hasn't been great.

I assume it will now come down to who does better during the grass court season?

philwrig · Hall of fame

You have to factor in that Wardy plays top 50 tennis when he plays DC. Unless he's injured or shanking the ball in practice, I would still go with Wardy, but the gap is closing. Also Kyle only just lasted out the 5 sets yesterday so another factor to consider. We also don't know how Kyle would react to playing a live DC match.

savva0122 · Intermediate Club Player

Unless James can turn his fortunes around pretty quickly, I'd go with Kyle. Got to go with the form horse and I think he showed he's pretty resilient. To borrow a cricket analogy, Ward is a "walking wicket" at the moment.

Interestingly the Times today also mentions the ITF are discussing the eligability criteria this weekend, which may mean Aljaz Bedene is an option too. Now that would make for some interesting discussion!

-- Edited by savva0122 on Tuesday 26th of May 2015 12:47:19 PM

RJA · Hall of fame

It's hard to see James not getting the nod unless Kyle clearly out performs him during the grass court season. If that happens then Leon has a tough call.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

So much will depend on Grass Court form, so it is too early to make any decisions. Agreed that James' form is not good at the moment, but we've been there before where he has suddenly raised his game in the DC atmosphere. His DC experience still counts massively in his favour and throwing a "rookie" into a DC QF would always be a risk.

Right now, I would personally still have Wardy just ahead on points in the selection stakes, but the gap is closing rapidly.

indiana · Tennis legend

I've always said, despite suggestions otherwise, that James was no shoo-in for the second singles spot vs USA. Too much water had still to pass under the bridge. Although I agreed that James was favourite.

To me, he is much less favourite now and the next few weeks will be interesting and maybe help clarify things in Leon's mind.

indiana · Tennis legend

Err, for the tie vs France even. I believe that that is who we are playing in July.

philwrig · Hall of fame

I'll say one thing was Wardy in peak form before the DC tie in Glasgow ? Not sure he was, horses for courses.

Spaced · Lower Club Player

Obviously the next 6 weeks or so will play a massive part in Leon's decision. For me, if form on the grass mirrors their respective form since the last DC tie, you'd have to go with Kyle. I appreciate those arguing James will raise his level for DC, but he's been so poor of late that if it continues its asking a lot to throw him in. Especially when we have a player who I firmly believe will establish himself in the top 100, could potentially push on to top 50 or more and is playing with the confidence and composure Kyle does.
Either way, there's still lots of ifs and buts and this debate would be best served in a month or so.

indiana · Tennis legend

The good thing is having the confidence that Leon will in the end pick who he thinks is most likely to help get the W.

That to me should be a given in a Davis Cup captain, but I don't think has always been the case with such incidentals as "how will I look if this doesn't work" entering into things.

I ageee with spaced that there are too many ifs and buts to my mind for now. If Aljaz became eligible that would throw another name into the discussion.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Leon understandibly looked a little cagey yesterday but my feeling is that unless Kyle pushes his hand, Kyle is very much one for the future and for the time being he has James's back.
The decision may end up being pretty straight forward.
If there is any question I feel he will go with James but by that time it may be blindingly obvious that Kyle is the UK no 2 in which case step up Mr Edmund.
On the bright side, Kyles development puts in a stronger position than we were this time last year.

indiana · Tennis legend

As I indicated, I really don't think it will be about anyone particularly having Leon's backing, though past, indeed recent, Davis Cups are clearly a factor. Nor will it simply be about ranking, however relatively clearcut.

It will be about the W ( and weighing the factors towards the selection that most likely achieves that goal ).

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

I'm a big fan of Kyle - not so very much a fan of Wardy - but to be honest Kyle hasn't taken on, never mind won against, any high-ranked players yet. I think it's too soon for him (unless of course he beats Kyrgios and Andy . . .)

savva0122 · Intermediate Club Player

Leon's got an incredible record of picking the right guy, so I am happy to accept whoever he picks will be the right person.
There's still an awful long way to go of course before picking the team, but confidence must be a big factor and Ward must be about as low as he can go at the moment. I really hope he can find some wins on grass.