R3: Kevin Krawietz & Tim Pütz (GER/GER) CR 32 (14+18) defeated Joe Salisbury & Neal Skupski CR 23 (3+20) by 7-6(10) 7-6(5)
GER 2 GBR 1
Extraordinary second set tie break. A match with zero service breaks and indeed only one break point. Then GB take a 5-0 lead with 2 breaks followed by Germany winning 7 in a row with 3 breaks of their own.
One silver lining in losing in the last 8 is that we dont qualify automatically for next years finals and have to through qualies. If they keep the 18 team draw which includes the 4 semifinalists and 2 wildcards, there will be 12 places through qualies. I believe that is 12 straight home or away matches so GB will play a one off match and it could be at home. I think Im correct that those matches are still 5 rubbers but over 2 days, with 2 singles day one and 2 reverse singles and a doubles day 2, best of 3 sets these days.
I read somewhere that the draw for that is early next week? Not sure when matches are played Next year, it was early March this year, so it would be indoors if we are at home.
-- Edited by JonH comes home on Wednesday 1st of December 2021 09:21:54 AM
I thought neither looked very comfortable, on return of serve, and at the back say, (in particular Neal), and I wondered if one of them was not playing on their normal side.....
I'd say Joe was the one that was absolutely awful on return. Neal was hardly consistent but he did make 6 or 7 good ones which stayed hit. Joe seems to never hit backhands down the line and I think opponents have realised that and just cover the middle.
Dare I say it they missed a Jamie Murray type lob return, or a bit more back quality from a singles player.
I'd say Joe was the one that was absolutely awful on return. Neal was hardly consistent but he did make 6 or 7 good ones which stayed hit. Joe seems to never hit backhands down the line and I think opponents have realised that and just cover the middle.
Dare I say it they missed a Jamie Murray type lob return, or a bit more back quality from a singles player.
Yes, Joe looked poor. And you may well be right about the return of serves overall.
But Joe can't hit a backhand down the line on return if he's on the righthand side, no? Do you mean off the opponent's return when he was serving on the left? Or a backhand to the ad court if he's receiving on the right? (which I wouldn't call down the line but I guess you could, we all describe things differently, not trying to be picky).
Just seemed to me that Neal seemed half falling over, not in the right place for a lot - but, as said, I only say about half of it....