cwej wrote:

---

That group is a joke :D If we don't get to the final at least, then there's something seriously up. As for the final though, Belgium will be really tough - pretty much a 50-50 shot against them I would say, but Konta needs to find her late 2015 form NOW...

---

 As instructed  

wolf wrote:

---

Thankfully we have a day off when the event starts on Wednesday, start on Thursday against South Africa and Georgia on Friday.

---

 I was hoping we would get a day off in the middle to have our players fresher for the final (if we get there which we should). 

Jo wasn't prepared to say she was a definite for the FedCup which would affect our chances hugely. Someone needs to tell her I'm making a special trip to watch our grand slam semi finalist !!!! Thursday start in the circumstances is ideal, gives Jo an extra day to be with her family and rest before FedCup. Laura now won't travel, so we'd be relying on Katie if Jo feels it's too short a turnaround.

Add into the equation that Jo's funding was cut by the LTA last year, there's affectively no obligation, and so there's a reasonable chance Jo will get home and think you know what, I could do with this next week off. I suspect though that a little chat with Judy, which might point out that given the weakness of the opposition/ late start and the huge opportunity she will probably make the trip. My best guess is it's 60/40 likely she plays.

paulisi wrote:

---

I have a bit of a concern about Joko as well. Apart from all the travelling and jet lag, there will be the mental fatigue as well.

With Jo and Hev we were nailed on to get through. With Jo's situation, I'm not so sure now.

---

 

I wondered if that was connected to Freya's change of plans.

i.e. I didn't think Freya would change anything to be (another) hitting partner.

But if one of the players was actually dropping out (which JoKo might, all things considered), then it would be more likely that Freya, maybe, would take her place in the squad.

Well Tara's clearly more experienced, but given her recent unreliable form you could argue that she shouldn't be at the top of le list at the moment.  Katie and Freya utterly different in style but right now, much more in Freya's game and she's also mentally very solid.

Coup Droit wrote:

---

paulisi wrote:

---

I have a bit of a concern about Joko as well. Apart from all the travelling and jet lag, there will be the mental fatigue as well.

With Jo and Hev we were nailed on to get through. With Jo's situation, I'm not so sure now.

---

 

I wondered if that was connected to Freya's change of plans.

i.e. I didn't think Freya would change anything to be (another) hitting partner.

But if one of the players was actually dropping out (which JoKo might, all things considered), then it would be more likely that Freya, maybe, would take her place in the squad.

---

With Laura not making the trip maybe they have asked Freya to come along like Katie for the experience.