Almost certainly our best strategic line up that Jon. I wouldn't be surprised if Cam could put Istomin away on a medium-slow surface as well.. If we go two up on day one Leon could be more playful with dubs selection also. Soo nice to have more GB options these days and a 5man team of course, which as said really is more a disadvantage for weaker nations now.
I think the main issue remains Andy's hip. If he is fit I agree. Jay should be part of the squad and I would bring the youngster Evans in as a hitting partner, as we move forward and potentially take on more challenging opponents a rehabilitated Evo is key.
Andy's priority is to get healthy and decide how he schedules (or not) the rest if his career very much in the way Fed does. I don't see DC singles as part of that necessarily, although I don't think playing doubles with Jamie is a risk to his health if he is fit to pjay. Kyle and Jamie as a doubles team is potentially being our strongest option unless we have a dedicated doubles team who play doubles together through the year at the very highest level. The only issue here is tactical in terms of Kyle playing three matches, hence the i poratance of facilitating Evo's rehabilitation. In time I think both Cam and Jay will rise to a level consistent with that at which Aljaz plays.
Andy and Jamie obviously have an inate understanding of each other's games which is probably the perfect situation if that is not an option, for me dropping to a combination of doubles players who don't play together and where one is ranked outside the top 20 in the world is a weaker option than Jamie and our best singles player. I would bring Jack D and George possibly Aidan in as hitting partners as often as feasible.
So this is Uzbekistan's promotion bid to the World Group. Unlucky for them, because they don't stand a chance in this one. Considering their apparent lack of strength, it is surprising they have risen to this stage. What does it say about the other teams beneath us.
With a 5 man team allowance, truth is we could nominate Ed Corrie and Neil Pauffley and still win it with the other 3. The outcome of this tie is already a done deal. What is left to discuss is how to configure it as a player development exercise. Which is great, as it's fundamentally a comment on how GB mens tennis has improved immeasurably over the past several years.
fantastic news as there is very little top class tennis tournaments in Scotland
Glasgow works really well. It's a unique atmosphere. It's the home fortress, most familar and comfortable place for the mens team. Didn't they play in Birmingham and ppl here were saying there were empty seats, i.e. not the same enthusiasm for the event. I love watching on tv the ties they play in Glasgow. Don't see a problem.
-- Edited by skibbarriz on Monday 7th of May 2018 02:34:58 PM
So this is Uzbekistan's promotion bid to the World Group. Unlucky for them, because they don't stand a chance in this one. Considering their apparent lack of strength, it is surprising they have risen to this stage. What does it say about the other teams beneath us.
With a 5 man team allowance, truth is we could nominate Ed Corrie and Neil Pauffley and still win it with the other 3. The outcome of this tie is already a done deal. What is left to discuss is how to configure it as a player development exercise. Which is great, as it's fundamentally a comment on how GB mens tennis has improved immeasurably over the past several years.
Now literally just waiting for Istomin to rise to the occasion, have the weekend of his life and win the tie 3-2 for Uzbekhistan
So this is Uzbekistan's promotion bid to the World Group. Unlucky for them, because they don't stand a chance in this one. Considering their apparent lack of strength, it is surprising they have risen to this stage. What does it say about the other teams beneath us.
With a 5 man team allowance, truth is we could nominate Ed Corrie and Neil Pauffley and still win it with the other 3. The outcome of this tie is already a done deal. What is left to discuss is how to configure it as a player development exercise. Which is great, as it's fundamentally a comment on how GB mens tennis has improved immeasurably over the past several years.
Now literally just waiting for Istomin to rise to the occasion, have the weekend of his life and win the tie 3-2 for Uzbekhistan
We are definitely hot favourites but who knows when it comes to DC. Anything is possible and we certainly shouldn't be counting any chickens.
Yes, Istomin could win his two single matches for starters. Certainly shouldn't but could. And that alone would take us into a 5th rubber.
With a 5 man team can maybe stick in one for development but like generally that Leon is not charged with player development ( arguable how much Davis Cup week exposure would give, especially if not pitched into a live match, but I am sure some ).
If the plans for the new 18 team World Cup go through, this tie seems like it might not matter for GB as presumably we would qualify for that anyway? Of course if that happens it will be the death of the Davis Cup as we know it, and many will stop caring anyway.
fantastic news as there is very little top class tennis tournaments in Scotland
It's fine if you are north of the Border. Pain for anyone else to get to.
There aren't even any direct flights or trains from Liverpool...
Honestly, it's over 2 hrs to Glasgow from Aberdeen, more from further north. 3 hrs and 1 change as Jaggy suggests is quite reasonable. It's hardly Glasgow's fault for not having direct trains...