2024 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers - France vs GB - 12/13 April (indoor clay)

LordBrownof · Futures level

2024 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers - France vs GB - 12/13 April (indoor clay)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

LordBrownof wrote:
I think for Katie on clay the conditions will play a big part. If it's hot and sunny she'll be able to hit through the ball and use her power. So let's pray for a hot RG!

Yes, I think that goes for Emma too, to some extent, next week and onwards

You could see that the indoor clay at Le Portel was really pretty quick

Both of them will struggle more if it's slow and sluggish (and, yes, Katie in particular)

Peter too · Tennis legend

The draw for the WTA125 is out Harriet has an easy R1, Fran less so.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Looks like they've got rid of the round robin format for Seville this year

(thank goodness)

pbs.twimg.com/media/GMAaLxvWYAA_sQE

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Coup Droit wrote:
Looks like they've got rid of the round robin format for Seville this year

(thank goodness)

pbs.twimg.com/media/GMAaLxvWYAA_sQE

Agreed - although not sure why the DC and BJK have different formats - the mens is 16 in 4 groups of 4 in Sept and then a final 8 in Nov; the womens in a final 12 knockout.

Personally I would like them to align on a single format.

9vicman · Satellite level

There are three Davis Cup weeks in the calendar, and only two BJKC weeks, due to the respective agreements with the ATP/WTA, so the events will never be completely aligned. But at least now we have the same principle of a knock-out Finals at a fixed venue. I suspect that the number of BJKC finalists will be reduced in future years.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Format for this year's BJK Cup Finals in Seville "revamped" into a knockout event, according to the Beeb.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Stircrazy wrote:
Format for this year's BJK Cup Finals in Seville "revamped" into a knockout event, according to the Beeb.

As reported above, a couple of hours ago ( smile )

PaulM · Tennis legend

I don't mind the knockout as it avoids the fiasco of pointless dead rubbers on the showcourt on day 2, but 9 days seems unnecessary. Playing 4 quarter finals over three days is just bizarre.

9vicman · Satellite level

I suspect they want to minimise the number of matches clashing with the ATP Finals. Also minimise the number of matches having to be played in the daytime (for fans/TV). This year's event was screwed by a schedule that had the WTA Finals scheduled a week later leading straight into ATP Finals then Davis Cup.

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

They seem to have built in a few days gap from the WTA Finals in Saudi, which isnt as bad a trip as Mexico was, but at least allows the top players time to recuperate and prepare.

The R1 and QF rounds cover 3 days each, presumably 3 evening matches and a day time match in each of those rounds; the idea of the semis and finals being mid week is interesting and one tennis could look at more often - we always end on Sundays, which is fine as the season has a calendar to support, but at season end, with football and US Football taking away fans on weekends, mid week night time finishes could be an interesting idea.

paulisi · Tennis legend

GB have drawn Germany.

Is it on clay or hard?

seagull · Hall of fame

Indoor Hard.

Canada awaits the winner.

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Is Germany an ok draw for us? And Canada as well? Doesnt feel a bad draw?

paulisi · Tennis legend

They have a couple of players ranked around 60's and Kerber potentially.
Looks a very good draw if Katie and Emma are fit and available.