Seems an odd choice to me to take *both*. Heather is a very good doubles player and I would have rather had Jodie in as a third singles player option (and arguable she's a better pick at #2 than Katie B just now?).
Anyway, great experience for them to round off an excellent 12 months.
They've been an established pair for several years, it would be pointless to pick one but not the other.
Wasn't expecting this at all but really pleased for them. Perhaps Heather still isn't 100% fit either. I suspect with Emma out (and presumably Katie Swan as well) expectations were sufficiently low for Annie to give them a chance.
Seems an odd choice to me to take *both*. Heather is a very good doubles player and I would have rather had Jodie in as a third singles player option (and arguable she's a better pick at #2 than Katie B just now?).
Anyway, great experience for them to round off an excellent 12 months.
They've been an established pair for several years, it would be pointless to pick one but not the other.
Wasn't expecting this at all but really pleased for them. Perhaps Heather still isn't 100% fit either. I suspect with Emma out (and presumably Katie Swan as well) expectations were sufficiently low for Annie to give them a chance.
As I said I was quite happy with the choice given we still have 3 singles players. Though if there are fitness concerns about Heather or indeed Harriet or Katie B I would actually want Jodie in there as further singles cover given Harriet and Heather can cover doubles.
I never really agree with picking for the future or "giving a chance'' just based on current expectations as so much can change on the future. Pick what you think is the squad that gives you most chance of success in the here and now. And I don't say that that isn't picking Lissey and Olivia.
Bizarre. The #2, #4, #6 ranked singles players and two double specialists. Still, I doubt if it will any different to the result.
I don't see the '"bizarre" at all. #1 Emma is presumably unavailable and the position re #3 Katie S is unclear plus the rankings of #3 to #6 Katie S, Katie B, Jodie and Heather have for a time been very close and fluctuating ( for instance Katie S will drop back to #6 post the BJK Cup based on ranking points coming off ). So while folk may disagree with the actual choices there is really no clear call on who should be the singles players based on very similar rankings. Honestly surely a judgement call.
And if the 3 singles players are fit and well, as I said, I am fine with the Lissey & Liv selection leaving us with both singles and doubles options.
I agree with indiana, it's not a "bizarre" team selection. It's Anne's job to select the team based on a lot of factors, and she's picked a good team. As fans we just need to get behind the team, because I'm sure the players will play to win, and are hoping for a groundswell of support. Is it a slightly pragmatic selection, perhaps ... but the season is relentless, and the new season is just around 7 weeks away, with another national team event, the United Cup (with ranking points on offer) kicking off the lead-up to the Aussie Open. Add to that, the importance of the close season to build up strength and cardio, there's a lot for the players to pack in over the next few months. 2023 is super-important for our leading youngsters to stake a claim for participation on the WTA tour, and to aim for automatic main draw inclusion at the Slams.
The deadline for team alterations was 11am today, and so far I haven't seen anything that changes the line-ups - although player list on the official site hasn't been updated recently.
Here are the teams as on the official site, and I have added the singles and doubles rankings (as at 31/10/22 since this weeks are delayed until after the tour finals).
The deadline for team alterations was 11am today, and so far I haven't seen anything that changes the line-ups - although player list on the official site hasn't been updated recently.
Here are the teams as on the official site, and I have added the singles and doubles rankings (as at 31/10/22 since this weeks are delayed until after the tour finals).