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

Spectator · All-time great

So much is up in the air, isn't it. Lot depends on the next few matches at the USO (will JMDP be #1? If he & AM both get through, what will happen in their semi? Will AM go all the way?) But tactically it just feels to me like a very different tie from any they played last year, however it goes. France is by far the strongest team in depth, but as they've discovered repeatedly to their frustration, depth means little in the DC format if you have someone on the other side who can beat two of your players. Argentina has both depth and a real threat. If AM has had any time to rest, he'll probably want to play as much as possible. But should he? Should be a great tie.

-- Edited by Spectator on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 07:14:30 AM

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

indiana wrote:
I don't think we conclusively established the ranking date that counts for Davis Cup. But if it is next Monday then JMDP, having reached the USO QF, is one win away from being back to Argentina #1.

Yes, although the 4man squad will be announced today/tomorrow in merit order, the singles are given by the captain an hour before the draw on Thurs 15th in merit order, so I guess the post US rankings are used then.

the addict · Tennis legend

Well, no surprise, Dom has missed out with both Dan and Kyle named in the squad
From Davis Cup official twitter - A Murray, Edmund, Evans, J Murray

-- Edited by the addict on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 10:27:01 AM

JonH · All-time great

the addict wrote:
Well, no surprise, Dom has missed out with both Dan and Kyle named in the squad
From Davis Cup official twitter - A Murray, Edmund, Evans, J Murray

-- Edited by the addict on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 10:27:01 AM

Leon has also announced the team quite early (we are often the last to announce) suggesting a) it was clear cut in his mind and b) maybe he wanted to make a statement of intent ("we've got 3 great singles players now and are going to take this by the scruff of the neck").

Anyway, good call, pleased

RJA · Hall of fame

indiana wrote:
I don't think we conclusively established the ranking date that counts for Davis Cup. But if it is next Monday then JMDP, having reached the USO QF, is one win away from being back to Argentina #1.

I have just read the Davis Cup rule book and the relevant rule says

"Before commencement of the draw each captain must give to the referee the names of his two singles players in order of merit based on the most recent world computer singles ranking accepted by the ITF"

That strongly suggests to me that it will be the post US Open ranking

Sim · County player

the addict wrote:
Well, no surprise, Dom has missed out with both Dan and Kyle named in the squad
From Davis Cup official twitter - A Murray, Edmund, Evans, J Murray

-- Edited by the addict on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 10:27:01 AM

BBC still has it as a 5 man squad with Dom included:

"Leon Smith again captains the team and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will be joined by Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund, Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot.

The four players to contest the tie at the Emirates Arena from 16-18 September will be announced on 15 September."

The LTA site has the same 5 man squad as well: https://www.lta.org.uk/major-events/international-events/davis-cup/davis-cup-news/2016/leon-smith-names-aegon-gb-davis-cup-team-to-face-argentina/

-- Edited by Sim on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 11:48:30 AM

the addict · Tennis legend

Yes, I noticed that. But the Davis Cup website doesn't include Dom. Hmm, all will be made clear soon, no doubt.

http://www.daviscup.com/en/news/237877.aspx

Smudge226 · Strong Club Player

Only a 4man squad is announced by the captain at the 10day nomination stage (today) but Dom will be included by Leon for the training team for the week/days before the tie. This will be the disparity between the Davis Cup website details and the GB details.

I thinking that Leon may not only keep the same 4men nominated on the 15th (day of draw) but also name Andy and Dan in the same order as the singles for day1 also. Remember the captain can change any 2 players between now and an hour before the draw if he wishes.

I'm thinking that Leon may leave this as it is and let Dan have a crack at Delpo... Maybe he'll feel that Kyle is a similar type of player to Delpo is some respects and this may not work.. I.e. big fearhand and enjoys a slower court...

This would then leave Leon open to select Kyle to face Delbonis in the 5th rubber if needed and leave Kyle fresh for the Doubles also if we go 2nil up on day1 (unlikely I know but I'd back Dan to give anyone a game right now and on home soil, who knows)..

JonH · All-time great

The Optimist wrote:
Karlovic never plays DC......think Croatia would use young Coric instead

According to Davis Cup website " Croatia will be unchanged from the side that defeated USA in Portland in the quarterfinals as they look to reach a first Davis Cup final since the year they lifted the trophy in 2005. Marin Cilic and Borna Coric will likely lead the home side in singles against France, while Ivan Dodig and Marin Draganja could contest the doubles rubber."

Looks like Coric is fit and playing for Croatia

RJA · Hall of fame

The more I think about it the more I think it will come down to who Leon thinks is in the best mindset / physical condition for this tie. Both Dan and Kyle have played a lot of tennis this year (Dan has played 56 matches and Kyle has played 54, they have both played 21 tournaments and a Davis cup tie) and both just had what will have been an emotionally draining week in New York at the end of a long summer of tennis. Now a Davis Cup SF might well be something that inspires them but I don't think it would be remotely surprising, and certainly no cause for rebuke, if either of them just aren't quite there mentally or physically. Were it not for the Davis Cup tie I think both would quite sensibly be looking forward to a couple of well deserved weeks off.

Jimmy09 · Intermediate Club Player

I think everyone will have different opinions on this & they are great to hear! I personally would let either Dan or Kyle have a crack at Del Po on the first day and rotate them for the last should it come down to a final rubber. There are arguments for both, i was set on Evo playing first day but i think he would flourish playing the 5th rubber. Either way i cant decide, but what a situation to be in! Who would have thought it a few years ago, i dont envy Leon, but then im extremely happy we are even in this situation.

indiana · Tennis legend

Jimmy09 wrote:
I think everyone will have different opinions on this & they are great to hear! I personally would let either Dan or Kyle have a crack at Del Po on the first day and rotate them for the last should it come down to a final rubber. There are arguments for both, i was set on Evo playing first day but i think he would flourish playing the 5th rubber. Either way i cant decide, but what a situation to be in! Who would have thought it a few years ago, i dont envy Leon, but then im extremely happy we are even in this situation.

Whether preferable or not for Dan or Kyle to have a crack at Del Potro on day one if Andy plays on day one ( and if there and fit he will ) then the rankings will dictate who plays Del Potro.

Although apparently it is the post US Open rankings that apply, Del Potro could still be Argentina #2 though will be #1 if he beats Wawrinka. If Del Potro is #2 then Andy plays him on day one and Del Potro plays the possibly deciding fifth rubber against Dan or Kyle.

So it may be preferable that Del Potro does win his QF ( in a marathon of course ) and goes to Argentina #1 ( whoever else plays singles for them ).

Then again part of me doesn't want Andy playing Del Potro in rubber 4, having perhaps played both singles and doubles and Del Potro not.

-- Edited by indiana on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 01:31:04 PM

indiana · Tennis legend

Note for diaries that a 4 man team is provisionally submitted to the Davis Cup people ( as required ) and they put that up on site ( or that has been their practice anyway ). But that really at that stage it will almost certainly be the case, as here, that these four are part of a bigger squad from which the final team will come.

We've certainly fallen for that one before

In seemingly such a delicately poised position it is no surprise at all that Leon has put both Dan and Kyle in the submitted team even if he is still thinking more of playing Dom. As I said I reckon they both will be in the final team but I don't think that is clearcut and I can see arguments for picking Dom and then either Dan or Kyle.

-- Edited by indiana on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 01:54:32 PM

JonH · All-time great

Argentina team is named as Delbonis, Del Potro, Pella and Leonardo Mayer.

France also named and gone for Tsonga, Monfils , Herbert/Mahut although Pouille will be in squad (and presumably that will be looked at if he beats Monfils today in New York).

Not sure how the Argentina team compares with GB from a h2h and ranking perspetive, would be interested to see - also, what would be their doubles combo?

-- Edited by JonH on Tuesday 6th of September 2016 02:45:30 PM