Bob in Spain wrote:

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Helen40 wrote:

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I notice that Kyle isn't in this. I thought that he was up there, so how come he's playing elsewhere?

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Not sure on the exact reason although others have offered possible explanations. But just wanted to say that I am pleased Kyle is playing elsewhere as he has a chance to get better ranking points. He needs to get his season off to a good start to maintain any momentum he gained from playing in the DC in Madrid.

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 Just to clarify Kyles absence. The ATP Cup took a cut off for entries in October and then second cut in November. At that point, GB needed Andy to commit under Andy's PR in order to qualify; our second player at the time was Dan. Andy committed after some umming and arring, and GB made the cut. At the second cut in November, I believe teams where fixed based on rankings at that point and GB listed Andy, Dan and Cam. Kyle was too lowly ranked and, as this is the ATP, it was all about ranking and not open to Captaincy decisions a la Davis Cup. So Kyle missed the cut - that is also why we have Jamie and Joe as opposed to Jamie and Neal, as Joe had and has a better ranking than Neal. Which is all fine, and differentiates from DC. 

 

But with Kyle missing the cut, he then committed quite rightly to Doha which runs against the ATP Cup and once committed as per normal ATP rules (given there are ranking points at stake), then when Andy with drew, he wasnt able to swap. Not sure why the various other options eg Jay, Liam couldnt take the vacant spot when Andy with drew, Liam alluded to not entering so maybe like all other ATP events, players had to list themselves as "entered" back at that November date...   

Kuzmanov had some great shots for his ranking. I think it was Courier doing the commentating who said the difference at that level isn't shot production, it's more just tactical and game knowledge. When to hit the right shot at the right time.

I can't believe the Bulgarian doubles pair are ranked over 2000 though, are they not allowed to field their two singles players?

Blimey Dan has come out firing on all cylinders, hope its not the usual case of great 1st set then opponent figures his game out and comes back

-- Edited by emmsie69 on Friday 3rd of January 2020 11:33:10 AM

indiana wrote:

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JonH comes home wrote:

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Smudge226 wrote:

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wolf wrote:

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Tennis.

 

New things for this year I found out at the coin toss.

 

4 minute warm ups instead of 5.

You can challenge anything like nots ups or ball going through the net.

 

Stadium at 2% capacity.

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 The triple venue I like although the attendance is poor for a WC event.  The different 3rd set format for dubs I do not like. Should be the same game for dubs and singles for me. As far as I can see they have fixed a problem with the dubs 3rd set that didn't exist. GB v Bulgar crowds better than Belgium fixture last night, which were tragic.

Nozzer 3games down in set two!

 

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 It is only a few weeks ago, but my memory is poor, wasnt the doubles in Davis Cup also a 10 point tie break in the final set? ie same format for doubles?  

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No, the Davis Cup Finals doubles were 'proper' 3 set matches with Ads and a full 3rd set with TB at 6-6, just as with the singles.

Though worryingly for some, one of the organisers said that this would need considered again for next year given some extremely late finishes. 

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 ha, two weeks of excess of dulled my brain! Thanks Indi

Dan seemed to win the first set quickly but is now in a close second set. It is 11 pm there now so that final doubles match could well be in the small hours before completing.

I see the Perth match is behind, but it is only 8 pm there so no real worries. De Minaur looks like he will beat Zverev and tie up the match for the Aussies, potential opponents for GB in QF round if we make it to there. That could be fun. I had tipped Germany but would be very happy if Aussies do the business as it is always good to see the home team do well and I have a natural liking for Aussie tennis anyway.

Sadly Dan fell away and lost in 3, similar to the DC in that respect where he had a couple of losses in 3 sets.

Down to doubles, presumably Dimitrov will play in that as it is live and there will be a gap now? It is 1220 am there now so this could be a very late finish...