Fed Cup 2017 World Group II Play-Off - Romania v Great Britain - 22-23 April

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

Fed Cup 2017 World Group II Play-Off - Romania v Great Britain - 22-23 April

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

Oakland2002 wrote:
This is all part of playing sport in Eastern Europe, understanding what is and isn't acceptable on grounds of equality is evolving in the way in which it did through the 70's and 80's in the UK and if you attend a football match in the U.K. you will realise we (as in the general population of the UK are way off being where we need to be but grounds are full and generally all tiers of society engaged) also have work to do.

I think you make a very good point here, and the different interpretations of Nastase's behaviour between the two countries led to more bad feeling between the sides. From a British perspective, Nastase's behaviour was absolutely disgraceful and indefensible, but maybe from a Romania perspective his behaviour was still wrong, but not to the same degree. In her interview Cirstea mentions that Nastase comes from a 'different generation' and this was an excuse you used to hear in Britain but not so much any more.

skibbarriz · Strong Club Player

I'm glad this tie is over. Begu was impressive and deserved her win. Team GB handled itself very well, really impressed with how Jo returned to her match to win it yesterday. And really tough test for Anne so early into her captaincy. For all the quality tennis, and there was lots of it, the event has been overshadowed.

Supposedly Romanians don't like Hungarians, long history, which could have influenced the treatment Jo received by the crowd and others. It might sound cynical but i wonder if this will lead to the british public giving a warmer embrace to Jo Konta. Against that is the fact that it wasn't on regular tv.

Hev gave a very good account of herself, couldn't have asked for more from her. She definitely responds to Fed cup.

And in the end, Phil Wright's hat couldn't make the difference.

the addict · Tennis legend

They ARE playing the doubles - Jos and Laura against Halep and Niculescu
*1-1

indiana · Tennis legend

blob wrote:
If we get more than one set across the tie, I'll be pleasantly surprised - unless for some unfathomable reason Sori actually plays; then we might even win a rubber.

In general you had it ( whatever happens in the doubles is inconsequential ). Sori did play and we won the two sets and one rubber against her, but it was always to me on the cards that if the Romanians played anywhere near their best form this was too difficult.

Add a Halep fired up by what looks possibly exaggerated comments on her home town crowd ( I have heard little evidence even from our on site reporter that they were that bad, while Nastase clearly was ) and Jo was in big trouble.

Good efforts by Jo and Heather, but it did turn out the draw and likely consequences many feared.

indiana · Tennis legend

the addict wrote:
They ARE playing the doubles - Jos and Laura against Halep and Niculescu
*1-1

That's good to see. Whatever normal practice is I am sure all sorts of excuses could have been found for not playing it.

the addict · Tennis legend

First set in the bag 6-3

tennischamp · Intermediate Club Player

Not so good as the first, down 3-0.

the addict · Tennis legend

Break points in every game to start the second set, but GB can't take any of theirs.
Jos to serve *0-3

skibbarriz · Strong Club Player

Is the doubles optional in an already dead tie. Can the British team determine whether they play it or not?

the addict · Tennis legend

Consolation win 6-3 1-6 10-8MTB

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

Nice to end the tie on a positive note for GB and a more friendly one with the doubles.

It was worth watching if only for Joss's incredible behind the back volley in the 2nd set. I think Laura is playing a few clay events next so she will be glad of getting this practice in a low pressure situation.

the addict · Tennis legend

Laura played some superb points, particularly the final one, trading groundstrokes with Halep. I think the score could have been a bit more convincing though - seemed to be quite a few break points going begging. Haven't seen any stats though

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

the addict wrote:
Laura played some superb points, particularly the final one, trading groundstrokes with Halep. I think the score could have been a bit more convincing though - seemed to be quite a few break points going begging. Haven't seen any stats though

No coincidence that Laura was really enjoying it, smiling and laughing a lot, and also played pretty well. Unfortunately her ITF matches are a lot less fun and a lot more tense.

AliBlahBlah · All-time great

the addict wrote:
Laura played some superb points, particularly the final one, trading groundstrokes with Halep. I think the score could have been a bit more convincing though - seemed to be quite a few break points going begging. Haven't seen any stats though

Match stats: