Davis Cup 2016 World Group Semi Final - GB v Argentina - 16th to 18th September

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

Davis Cup 2016 World Group Semi Final - GB v Argentina - 16th to 18th September

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

So essentially, we would have a DC tie played back to front as it were.

Andy and Delpo both look like they're going deep in the USO, so their fatigue would cancel itself out. Delpo was also a good DC player from what I recall when he played.

As for the other rubber, well both our guys are still in it, whereas all the rest of the Argies are out. I think Kyle has a fair chance tonight, so might make it to Sunday. This give a little less time for him to get over jetlag, prepare on the surface etc.

I have no clue what Dan/Kygrios's chances are in the dubs, but from what I can gather Kyrios is a pretty good dubs player with good hands, so Dan could hang around in NY for abit too, although I guess he won't have the same mental stress as the rest of them.

In some ways it is an advantage for us playing back to front. If we were 2-0 up then Andy could play the dubs knowing that he could give it his all and job done on the Saturday. It would destroy it for the fans on Sunday, but I think that most of us would just prefer that they just get the tie won.

Spectator · All-time great

So in essence, Argentina has seven top-100 singles players + JMDP, and several of those also have doubles experience in the DC, with Zeballos top 100 in singles and doubles. I can't see any Argentine barring JMDP giving AM a hard time in singles, but a situation where JMDP was in reserve, the GB 2nd had lost the match, and we were either going to have to play AM three days running with the possibility of his playing JMDP over 5 sets in the 3rd or going to put someone who doesn't normally play doubles into the doubles tie with Jamie Murray ... hmm. Might be moot if the GB #2 wins, which is quite feasible. But I still don't think it's wholly straightforward as decisions go.

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

Smudge226 wrote:
The original nominations are 10dayz before the tie in order of merit according to the rules. Two changes can be made to this up to the one hour before the draw, according to rules. So I guess the order of merrit is actually ATP ranking on 6th sept, next Tuesday for the 10day nomination but they could add Delpo in after this and after the US tournament...

From Delpo's presser, he's in the squad anyway - and up for it.

I think the main question for me is the one being discussed about when they take the rankings. Although this is only relevant if Delpo gets to the semis, otherwise he'll still be below his nearest countryman.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Helen40 wrote:

I have no clue what Dan/Kygrios's chances are in the dubs, but from what I can gather Kyrios is a pretty good dubs player with good hands, so Dan could hang around in NY for a bit too, although I guess he won't have the same mental stress as the rest of them.

Dan may have to hang around anyway as he was tweeting today that he has lost his passport disbelief

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

Spectator wrote:
So in essence, Argentina has seven top-100 singles players + JMDP, and several of those also have doubles experience in the DC, with Zeballos top 100 in singles and doubles. I can't see any Argentine barring JMDP giving AM a hard time in singles, but a situation where JMDP was in reserve, the GB 2nd had lost the match, and we were either going to have to play AM three days running with the possibility of his playing JMDP over 5 sets in the 3rd or going to put someone who doesn't normally play doubles into the doubles tie with Jamie Murray ... hmm. Might be moot if the GB #2 wins, which is quite feasible. But I still don't think it's wholly straightforward as decisions go.

Agreed. I really don't envy Leon, but then that's what he gets paid for..

We'll have a clearer picture at the end of the USO. I just hope Andy's not too worn out. Assuming he gets to the final, it'll be a pretty fast turnaround.

If Andy has to play Delpo on day 1, then I'd put three single players in so that we have options on the last day if Kyle/Dan's go long on day 1. Whilst not ideal, Andy is pretty superhuman with all the training that he does, so I think he could play day 1 and 2 and still beat their other player.

indiana · Tennis legend

Yes, decisions, decisions. And I do think picking Dom and so going out on a limb re our #2 singles player remains an option.

One can see scenarios where one would prefer to save Andy for the return singles and also have a more than decent chance in the doubles.

I know some would like to have a team of 5 to save such possible pro tie selection dilemmas, but it does make it more intriguing / tactical and makes Leon earn his money!

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

I'm with you, I'd take 3 singles rather than Dom, mainly because it's a better option to cover fatigue and injury. More flexibility to cover off Argentine changes..

indiana · Tennis legend

Helen40 wrote:
So essentially, we would have a DC tie played back to front as it were.

Andy and Delpo both look like they're going deep in the USO, so their fatigue would cancel itself out. Delpo was also a good DC player from what I recall when he played.

As for the other rubber, well both our guys are still in it, whereas all the rest of the Argies are out. I think Kyle has a fair chance tonight, so might make it to Sunday. This give a little less time for him to get over jetlag, prepare on the surface etc.

I have no clue what Dan/Kygrios's chances are in the dubs, but from what I can gather Kyrios is a pretty good dubs player with good hands, so Dan could hang around in NY for abit too, although I guess he won't have the same mental stress as the rest of them.

In some ways it is an advantage for us playing back to front. If we were 2-0 up then Andy could play the dubs knowing that he could give it his all and job done on the Saturday. It would destroy it for the fans on Sunday, but I think that most of us would just prefer that they just get the tie won.

Of course, Dan could yet go deeper in the singles

I don't think he will beat Stan, but I don't discount it. The bet365 odds are Wawrinka 1/10, Evans 6/1. Those look resonable in that I don't see value there.

Let all three of our guys get rather more fatigued !

-- Edited by indiana on Friday 2nd of September 2016 09:42:43 PM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Smudge226 wrote:
I'm with you, I'd take 3 singles rather than Dom, mainly because it's a better option to cover fatigue and injury. More flexibility to cover off Argentine changes..

My problem is that they always take Dom and yet barely ever use him. So, yes, makes sense to go with the singles players.

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

indiana wrote:
Helen40 wrote:
So essentially, we would have a DC tie played back to front as it were.

Andy and Delpo both look like they're going deep in the USO, so their fatigue would cancel itself out. Delpo was also a good DC player from what I recall when he played.

As for the other rubber, well both our guys are still in it, whereas all the rest of the Argies are out. I think Kyle has a fair chance tonight, so might make it to Sunday. This give a little less time for him to get over jetlag, prepare on the surface etc.

I have no clue what Dan/Kygrios's chances are in the dubs, but from what I can gather Kyrios is a pretty good dubs player with good hands, so Dan could hang around in NY for abit too, although I guess he won't have the same mental stress as the rest of them.

In some ways it is an advantage for us playing back to front. If we were 2-0 up then Andy could play the dubs knowing that he could give it his all and job done on the Saturday. It would destroy it for the fans on Sunday, but I think that most of us would just prefer that they just get the tie won.

Of course, Dan could yet go deeper in the singles
I don't think he will beat Stan, but I don't discount it. The bet365 odds are Wawrinka 1/10, Evans 6/1. Those look resonable in that I don't see value there.
Let all three of our guys get rather more fatigued !

I really hope so.

With Kyle winning and Andy and Jo still in, it really feel like the Olympics where success is breeding success. Dan's had some pretty decent scalps in his time, so if Warinka has a bad-ish day, why not. Dan is so confident, he doesn't seem to blink and is able to close out. Add to that he's had a decent run here before.

In any case, the bad boys have made it through t round three of the dubs, so I guess he might have to forego his holiday.

Has he found his passport yet?

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

Coup Droit wrote:
Smudge226 wrote:
I'm with you, I'd take 3 singles rather than Dom, mainly because it's a better option to cover fatigue and injury. More flexibility to cover off Argentine changes..
My problem is that they always take Dom and yet barely ever use him. So, yes, makes sense to go with the singles players.

Yes, it's really rough on Dom. He wants to support the team and be there, but hardly ever gets used, but misses out on ranking points. Maybe he gets something out of being out with the team, but it must be tough. Louis Cayer is there I guess and he's a great dubs coach, so maybe Dom can pick up some top tips.

It's bad timing for Dom to be coming through (same with Colin in a way). With Jamie around, even if they are higher ranked Jamie will still get the nod.

savva0122 · Intermediate Club Player

I agree with you guys, I'd go for three singles players this time. It's a strange one where our #2 would have much more chance of beating their #1, and I quite like the idea of playing Kyle and Evo on day 1. On current ranking that'd mean Dan'd play JMDP, and I'd give Kyle a good chance on whoever the Argies pick.

Andy & Jamie in the Dubs and then Andy in the reverse singles if necessary. Although Dan could be playing the Dubs if he keeps playing as well as he is!

JonH · All-time great

The France v Croatia semi looks very finely balanced. I guess many would hope Croatia will win, as GB would get a home final if that match up occured. But it looks like a very tight tie. Croatia will no doubt pick Cilic and Karlovic for singles; France probably have a choice from Tsonga, Monfils, or Pouille (who played in the last round). Gasquet and Simon seem out of form.

Looking at the H2H results, Monfils and Pouille are up against Cilic and Karlovic, whilst Tsonga is actually well down. Herbert and Mahut look likely in doubles and would probably beat Dodig and Draganja or Cilic and Drajganja or indeed Cilic and Dodig.

All 3 French singles players are in the last 16 in New York also. It will be interesting to see who gets picked and with Croatian home advantage it really feels too close to call.

But I will support Croatia this time - Paris in November could be nice but a home tie would be nicer!

On that front, is anyone aware where a home final could be played? Just took a quick look and the O2 has Rod Stewart playing at that time (Nov 25-27 is the final) , Birmingham is busy as is Glasgow, but Manchester looks to be available and is large enough to play a final at with a decent 17,000 size crowd. Could that be a decent option for a final venue??!

-- Edited by JonH on Saturday 3rd of September 2016 11:42:00 PM

-- Edited by JonH on Saturday 3rd of September 2016 11:46:48 PM

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

Karlovic never plays DC......think Croatia would use young Coric instead