The GB squad has been whittled down to the 4 - not sure of process for whether this will change or not but in reduces 9 to 4 - some other teams have selected 5, whether there is a chance we can add a 5th (eg Jack D if he is fit nearer the time, or a specialist doubles player?), I am guessing that we can do that?
This suggests doubles could be one of Neal and whoever isnt playing the singles that day (Dan or Andy?) or even Dan and Andy as a pair? Also gives us the option to mix our singles players from day to day, I guess
The GB squad has been whittled down to the 4 - not sure of process for whether this will change or not but in reduces 9 to 4 - some other teams have selected 5, whether there is a chance we can add a 5th (eg Jack D if he is fit nearer the time, or a specialist doubles player?), I am guessing that we can do that?
This suggests doubles could be one of Neal and whoever isnt playing the singles that day (Dan or Andy?) or even Dan and Andy as a pair? Also gives us the option to mix our singles players from day to day, I guess
If we can add a 5th player, I would hope it is Jack. Feels like Cam, Dan and Andy all have frailties currently, with the possibility of great highs, but if Jack was fit and has played some decent tennis by mid September, it would feel like he can really add to our singles options.
I know others disagree, but I am not bothered if we dont have another doubles specialist; Neal with Dan or Dan with Andy (not sure of Neal and Andy?) would be equally as good, for me, as Neal with Joe right now - despite the Toronto performance, not convinced yet that Joe is back to form (same could be said on Dan re singles, I know) but I guess if Jack D doesnt make it, Joe would be our 5th player as opposed to any of the others in the squad above (Liam, Lloyd or Jamie)
PS shame for Liam as I am sure he would like to play in Manc, but we need our strongest squad.
-- Edited by JonH comes home on Monday 14th of August 2023 12:08:28 PM
Russell Fuller of the BBC confirms that changes can be made up until the data (doesnt mention 4 or 5 players) and that Leon Smith has calculated Neal plus Dan and Andy adequately cover our doubles needs
Analysis
Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent
With Evans and Murray in the team, captain Smith has calculated he is only likely to require the services of one specialist doubles player.
As the Wimbledon champion and world number one, Skupski fits the bill perfectly, and was a finalist at both the Miami and Monte Carlo Masters with Evans in 2021.
The team could still evolve over the month ahead, as Smith can make up to three changes until 24 hours before the start.
Performances at the US Open will be a factor, and the progress of Jack Draper will be closely watched. The 21-year-old, who has not played since the French Open, makes his comeback from a shoulder injury at the Winnipeg Challenger this week.
Bumping and wondering if we should maybe transfer the chat on Davis cup team to here from the Us Open thread now?
I would say yes because it's the Davis Cup thread
Anyway, I called it as Jack made the squad
I always seem to like Davis Cup and the team events in general (even the Laver Cup) so really looking forward to this and really praying Cam can sort his form out because we really need him in top form as he's our number 1; at least Dan managed to win Washington and put up a fight last weekend against Alcaraz so I'm less worried about him as I believe that match may have given Dan confidence just at the right time.
I am thinking for Aus it will be this order of play: Dan v Demon and Cam v Thompson and Dan/Neal v Ebden/Demon.
Bumping and wondering if we should maybe transfer the chat on Davis cup team to here from the Us Open thread now?
I would say yes because it's the Davis Cup thread
Anyway, I called it as Jack made the squad
I always seem to like Davis Cup and the team events in general (even the Laver Cup) so really looking forward to this and really praying Cam can sort his form out because we really need him in top form as he's our number 1; at least Dan managed to win Washington and put up a fight last weekend against Alcaraz so I'm less worried about him as I believe that match may have given Dan confidence just at the right time.
I am thinking for Aus it will be this order of play: Dan v Demon and Cam v Thompson and Dan/Neal v Ebden/Demon.
Bumping and wondering if we should maybe transfer the chat on Davis cup team to here from the Us Open thread now?
I would say yes because it's the Davis Cup thread
Anyway, I called it as Jack made the squad
I always seem to like Davis Cup and the team events in general (even the Laver Cup) so really looking forward to this and really praying Cam can sort his form out because we really need him in top form as he's our number 1; at least Dan managed to win Washington and put up a fight last weekend against Alcaraz so I'm less worried about him as I believe that match may have given Dan confidence just at the right time.
I am thinking for Aus it will be this order of play: Dan v Demon and Cam v Thompson and Dan/Neal v Ebden/Demon.
No.1s have to play each other in Davis Cup.
I think you're correct, in which case Draper can only really play as a no.2 and equally Norrie only as a no.1.
If its Thompson up first then this is a great opportunity for Draper I think. That would free Evans for the dubs leaving Norrie a free hit against ADM but on recent form ADM had the better of Norrie in Toronto. Other options could be Evans against ADM but with dubs being the clincher perhaps can't risk it.
Doubles is Neal and Dan all day long. That's one choice Leon should find easy, the singles however, think I'd be inclined to go with Dan and Jack
I can't see Evans playing both dubs & sins though against Oz.. He might go with Murray then Norrie in the singles but only if Draper is not ready. On Twitter there are pictures of Draper hitting with Edmund in the Manchester arena today, so looking ready to go.
Looks like the GB games are to be shown on BBC iplayer again but not the other fixtures in Manchester. Looks like they'll be on the Tennis Channel for a fee no doubt.