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

PaulM · Tennis legend

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

PaulM · Tennis legend

8 games in a row, jeezo.

2-6 0-2*

Katie really just can't play on clay. Parry is very solid, flashy at times, but she's quite comfortable in her zone and not having to stretch herself. Chance she will get nervous but Katie has to keep in touch.

indiana · Tennis legend

10 games in a row, though 8 of these have at least gone to deuce.

2-6 0-4*

jb288 · Satellite level

Well, that's that. Would be so interesting to know whether Katie beat others in the team in practice sets this week.

Nice anyway to see Jodie there, albeit with left wrist heavily strapped.

PaulM · Tennis legend

I mean. I guess you have to laugh? Have to remember this was Katie's first proper Tour level clay court match. She's only played qualies at Roland Garros twice.

But I think you do have to still back your no.1 (ranked miles ahead of everyone else) and who's in good form. So I don't think it was a wrong selection choice. She just wasn't good enough.

-- Edited by PaulM on Friday 12th of April 2024 02:21:49 PM

GAMEOVER · Satellite level

Katie has never won a singles match on clay on the main WTA tour.Unrealistic expectations here.

Var · Club Coach

GAMEOVER wrote:
Katie has never won a singles match on clay on the main WTA tour.Unrealistic expectations here.

Got thrashed though.

Barefoot · Lower Club Player

I dont think shes ever even played one has she?

I mean its unfortunate but theyre going to be taking this as a practice opportunity under the assumption this was always going to happen. I imagine Emma will do better.

Also just looking at the point by point - she didnt roll over but didnt win the points that mattered.

-- Edited by Barefoot on Friday 12th of April 2024 02:30:17 PM

GAMEOVER · Satellite level

PaulM wrote:
I mean. I guess you have to laugh? Have to remember this was Katie's first proper Tour level clay court match. She's only played qualies at Roland Garros twice.
But I think you do have to still back your no.1 (ranked miles ahead of everyone else) and who's in good form. So I don't think it was a wrong selection choice. She just wasn't good enough.

-- Edited by PaulM on Friday 12th of April 2024 02:21:49 PM

It might have been a step too far but Fran Jones has had a good record on clay in the tournaments she has played in 2023 and 2024.Certainly better on clay than Katie.

indiana · Tennis legend

You only have to back your #1 if you think she is more likely to win right here right now than another possible selection.

I should make put on repeat - that I condider this to be all that matters for selection. And surely the players would be OK with that going forward, if Anne is also looking to the future.

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Its all about whos likely to win. My feeling is you never know with Emma how she would play. So she was worth the punt- Id have played Fran though instead of Katie. But its Annes call.

Var · Club Coach

JonH comes home wrote:
Its all about whos likely to win. My feeling is you never know with Emma how she would play. So she was worth the punt- Id have played Fran though instead of Katie. But its Annes call.

Agree JonH. Wonder what impact may be on Olympic team selection?

PaulM · Tennis legend

I agree Indy. And I think Katie was the right selection on that basis, even with the comparative lack of clay expertise. And let's not forget Fran's experience and natural comfort is much greater on clay, but it's not against top 100 players, let alone top 50 - plus there's always the doubt whether her body would hold if she gets stuck in a long three setter which you do sadly have to factor.

Fran has been doing great but she's beaten two top 120 players this year. Let's not get carried away thinking she's going to walk out and smash clay counters ranked 40 in the world. It's not like she gave Podoroska any kind of match (although that was after a long and very good week to get that far).

-- Edited by PaulM on Friday 12th of April 2024 02:52:26 PM

PaulM · Tennis legend

Var wrote:
JonH comes home wrote:
Its all about whos likely to win. My feeling is you never know with Emma how she would play. So she was worth the punt- Id have played Fran though instead of Katie. But its Annes call.
Agree JonH. Wonder what impact may be on Olympic team selection?

Based on ranking and eligibility and it's not a team competition but a standard knockout draw. So Katie will be there unless injured, and rightly so.

indiana · Tennis legend

Again, not saying Anne's selections are right or wrong.

But the trouble if you play your #1 on the first day vs their #2 and she gets trounced, and you stick with your other day 1 selection, then if you replace your #1 on day 2 that replacement is having to tackle their #1 and will have missed out on playing their #2 which most times would be their more likely chance of getting a win.

You can't just see how it goes on day 1. Got to get it right from the off

Anyway, going to be very tough now and be very interesting to see who plays for us in match 3 ( vs presumably Garcia ).