I'm disappointed that Fran isn't there (unless there's something we don't know about) because I would put her in over Katie S. And I hope Harriet hasn't done herself an injury in her LL match.
Yeah, results and rankings wise she should be right up there, and definitely ahead of Katie S in that regard at the moment. I'm not sure why, can't really explain, but I'm not too surprised that's she not there if you know what I mean.
I guess while she's on such a good run, she might have just wanted to play that Portugal W60 clay event, and keep her momentum going, if she wasn't going to be one of the two main singles players, whereas someone like Jodie, despite having a great week herself, would probably be far more happier potentially being 4th in the pecking order (and possibly not playing at all), being in a team environment, with a UJ flag painted on her face, and being a big character in the group, like we saw at the BOTBs team event. Katie S kind of similar as we have saw in recent FC squads.
-- Edited by Ace Ventura on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 10:03:43 AM
They do seem to be a pretty close group, whereas Fran wasn't involved in the Battle of the Brits or any of the UK summer tournaments last year so might be considered an outsider. That said I'm sure she'll get a call up pretty soon, especially if GB have to play on Clay.
Good to know Swan is fit again, her and Jodie are arguably the in-form players at the moment.
Is there a case for selecting players like Lissey, EWS or Tara Moore in doubles?
If Fran was still in Argentina yesterday, she wouldn't be out of hotel quarantine until the day before the tie giving her no practise time with the team beforehand.
Has there been any official word on coverage? There will obviously be some sort of coverage, even if it was just LTA social media as a worst case scenario, but I've not seen anything official yet. I guess BBC red button is probably the best realistic option.
I might take out a one off BJK Cup website subscription to catch some of the other ties (if it's just like a fiver or something). BT Sport did cover a few external ties a year or two ago, and they are obviously covering that UK Pro League this year, but I can't really see them picking up any overseas ties this time with them not having the WTA rights any more, so less commitment.
dodrade wrote: Is there a case for selecting players like Lissey, EWS or Tara Moore in doubles?
I don't think they actually need a doubles specialist this time round, as the current squad are all pretty decent at doubles. Any of those three would make a suitable replacement, although I'm not sure how the last two would gelwith the rest of the squad.
Has there been any official word on coverage? There will obviously be some sort of coverage, even if it was just LTA social media as a worst case scenario, but I've not seen anything official yet. I guess BBC red button is probably the best realistic option.
I might take out a one off BJK Cup website subscription to catch some of the other ties (if it's just like a fiver or something). BT Sport did cover a few external ties a year or two ago, and they are obviously covering that UK Pro League this year, but I can't really see them picking up any overseas ties this time with them not having the WTA rights any more, so less commitment.
From Tennis on Telly on 1/4/21: Looks like Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie with Mexico
on 16-17 April will have BBC online coverage only, as it's not scheduled on any of their linear channels.
dodrade wrote: Is there a case for selecting players like Lissey, EWS or Tara Moore in doubles?
I don't think they actually need a doubles specialist this time round, as the current squad are all pretty decent at doubles. Any of those three would make a suitable replacement, although I'm not sure how the last two would gelwith the rest of the squad.
Indeed, I definitely think Heather and Harriet are better doubles players than these.
The only slight issue with them is playing singles too but if it was to go to 2-2 I think one or both would contest the doubles whoever else was in the squad.
Re Jodie playing doubles - partnering Beth they have just taken the first set 6-2, only dropping 3 points on serve (a double fault on set point !), and with five aces (probably four from Jodie, one from Beth looking at the momentum graph). So she's certainly in goodform.
Heather and Harriet as indy says are good doubles players.
Hopefully we don't need to go to that rubber and I think there's a contest between Harriet and Katie for the second singles spot. But I can see an argument for putting Harriet out on Day 1 and if it ends 1-1 putting Katie in for revers singles, and resting Harriet to play doubles with Heather if needed.
We really should win this tie comfortably indoors.
-- Edited by PaulM on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 11:23:25 AM
Heather and Harriet as indy says are good doubles players.
Hopefully we don't need to go to that rubber and I think there's a contest between Harriet and Katie for the second singles spot. But I can see an argument for putting Harriet out on Day 1 and if it ends 1-1 putting Katie in for revers singles, and resting Harriet to play doubles with Heather if needed.
We really should win this tie comfortably indoors.
-- Edited by PaulM on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 11:23:25 AM
I agree. Heather and Harriet should win all their singles with ease. Can't imagine there will be any need for the doubles to take place. There can be no excuses for not winning this.
Has there been any official word on coverage? There will obviously be some sort of coverage, even if it was just LTA social media as a worst case scenario, but I've not seen anything official yet. I guess BBC red button is probably the best realistic option.
I might take out a one off BJK Cup website subscription to catch some of the other ties (if it's just like a fiver or something). BT Sport did cover a few external ties a year or two ago, and they are obviously covering that UK Pro League this year, but I can't really see them picking up any overseas ties this time with them not having the WTA rights any more, so less commitment.
From Tennis on Telly on 1/4/21: Looks like Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie with Mexico
on 16-17 April will have BBC online coverage only, as it's not scheduled on any of their linear channels.
That's pretty poor, I would have expected Red Button coverage at a minimum.
I still think Katie B might get the nod over Harriet in singles given she's had a couple of wins over Top 100 players already this year.
-- Edited by dodrade on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 01:45:41 PM
Heather and Harriet as indy says are good doubles players.
Hopefully we don't need to go to that rubber and I think there's a contest between Harriet and Katie for the second singles spot. But I can see an argument for putting Harriet out on Day 1 and if it ends 1-1 putting Katie in for revers singles, and resting Harriet to play doubles with Heather if needed.
We really should win this tie comfortably indoors.
-- Edited by PaulM on Tuesday 6th of April 2021 11:23:25 AM
Interesting that people are questioning who the 2nd Singles player will be assuming Heather will play at 1, she is the one in the poorest form currently.
I would like to see Harriet play singles but I cant see Annie not choosing Boulter if im being honest. Although it would be a nice opportunity for Harriet to possibly get her first fed cup singles win?