Davis Cup 2016 World Group Round 1 GB v Japan - 4th-6th March - NIA, Birmingham

philwrig · Hall of fame

RE: Davis Cup 2016 World Group Round 1 GB v Japan - 4th-6th March - NIA, Birmingham

wimdledont · Challenger level

I'd just like to flag up that the decision to pick Andy for the doubles, though it worked out finally, nearly cost us dearly, with the Nishikori match turning into a test of stamina, and Andy at a clear disadvantage.

Jamie+Dom would have been big favourites to beat the Japanese pair - probably more than Andy to beat Kei, and without putting Andy at a disadvantage in what turned out to be a closer match.

I anticipate that a similar decision will have to be made in Serbia; and I'm not convinced that the right call was made here.

Priesty · Challenger level

wimdledont wrote:
I'd just like to flag up that the decision to pick Andy for the doubles, though it worked out finally, nearly cost us dearly, with the Nishikori match turning into a test of stamina, and Andy at a clear disadvantage.

Jamie+Dom would have been big favourites to beat the Japanese pair - probably more than Andy to beat Kei, and without putting Andy at a disadvantage in what turned out to be a closer match.

I anticipate that a similar decision will have to be made in Serbia; and I'm not convinced that the right call was made here.

But possibly you could argue that given his recent lack of match practice and the straightforward win over Daniel, playing the doubles helped to sharpen him up a bit in readiness for the Nishikori rubber.

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

On the other hand, Andy has said that he wanted to play the dubs to give him some extra live court time after his layoff so that he was better prepared to face Kei. Can argue it either way. May not have got off to such a good start if he had not played the dubs, may have finished better if he'd skipped them.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

wimdledont wrote:
I'd just like to flag up that the decision to pick Andy for the doubles, though it worked out finally, nearly cost us dearly, with the Nishikori match turning into a test of stamina, and Andy at a clear disadvantage.

Jamie+Dom would have been big favourites to beat the Japanese pair - probably more than Andy to beat Kei, and without putting Andy at a disadvantage in what turned out to be a closer match.

I anticipate that a similar decision will have to be made in Serbia; and I'm not convinced that the right call was made here.

With hindsight, yes, I agree.

But the doubles teams are both disclosed simultaneously and the whole problem was that Leon etc. thought that Kei would be playing doubles (supposedly Louis Cayer had been working with Andy/Jamie full on the premise of the tactics needed against Kei).

So it was a big surprise when they fielded the weak doubles team, but too late then for the Brits to change.

Spectator · All-time great

I wondered about the wisdom on the doubles also - but could see the logic given the lack of prior court time ... and rather trust that Leon Smith and Mr Murray are better judges of the balance of factors than I. Going to be a nasty decision if the full Serbian team plays, though. Would not think Mr Murray would want to play all three days with the last match against Mr Long-drawn-out-battle-of-attrition himself.

On the topic of cost, I appreciate that "private" tournaments like Queens are more expensive for the good tickets ... but they do also have cheap grounds passes. And they are not national tournaments, at which a primary aim should be encouraging a national enthusiasm for tennis. I would definitely be of the mind that a block of seats at home DC ties should be reserved at very low prices so that people who are never going to be able to afford £40 to £100 a pop can go in. It could be a great way of getting in new (and slightly more socio-economically mixed) fans ... and it could give a great buzz. Be creative! Have a lottery a la Wimbledon. Do a queue a la Wimbledon. Do something! But get people in at a cheaper rate for which anyone can apply.

goldfish · Futures qualifying

Re cheap grounds pass for Queen's - not much good if they don't put any matches on the outside courts. Last year, it being a 500 tournament, there were hardly any matches to watch on the Monday although they did put on exhibition matches/demonstrations. Very disappointed, wrote and complained and never heard another word. Of course, you do get to watch players practising but not worth going just for that.

Jan · Hall of fame

goldfish wrote:
Re cheap grounds pass for Queen's - not much good if they don't put any matches on the outside courts. Last year, it being a 500 tournament, there were hardly any matches to watch on the Monday although they did put on exhibition matches/demonstrations. Very disappointed, wrote and complained and never heard another word. Of course, you do get to watch players practising but not worth going just for that.

Indeed - I used to go with a ground pass and would see some great matches. I didn't go last year for various reasons, but when I saw the OOP I was glad I hadn't gone. It's a real shame.