Davis Cup 2013 - World Group Play-offs. Sept 13-15. **GREAT BRITAIN** back into World Group 3-1.

[Steven]

Great to see everyone this weekend ... and for GB to come back and win in such spectacular fashion.
:yahoo:

Because it's what everyone seems to ask about, I've independently worked out likely World Group play-off seeds (yes, I'm still a bit wired - likely to keel over very hard, pretty soon I expect!) and end up in close agreement with Stu Fraser.

Here are the 16 teams that will be in the World Group playoff draw this Wednesday - country, what the venue would be and their ranking points before this weekend, rounded to the nearest integer:

World Group R1 losers
Can only drop points since they did not play this weekend - potentially up to about 5300, but that would mean they won QFs away from home against teams ranked 1 or 2 in each of the last 4 years so the actual drop is likely to be a lot less.

Spain AWAY 32000 potential drop not checked
Croatia AWAY 4335 potential drop not checked
Austria AWAY 3316 potential drop not checked
Israel AWAY 3175 potential drop not checked
Switzerland HOME 2950 little or nothing to drop
Germany HOME 2797 little or nothing to drop

... the above are all definite or almost-definite seeds

Brazil VENUE BY LOT 2700 minus about 600 - probably seeded
Belgium AWAY 2675 minus about 800 - possibly seeded

Zonal Group I winners
These teams could also drop points as above but will add between 625-863 points for their wins this weekend.

Australia HOME 2363 minus more than 600 - possibly seeded

The following are virtually certain to be unseeded, so safe to ignore them as possible opponents:

Japan LOT 2018
Netherlands AWAY 1350
Poland AWAY 1133
Ecuador HOME 1125
Ukraine AWAY 955
Colombia LOT 863
Great Britain N/A 630

[Steven]

The official rankings are now out and GB move up to 30th, which makes us by 5 places the lowest-ranked team in the World Group playoffs.

A couple of surprises for Stu Fraser and me - Israel won't be seeded (as mentioned in the previous post, I didn't think I needed to check their potential drop, but I assume their best results must mainly have come in the last four April sessions) and Brazil won't be seeded (less of a surprise, obviously) but Australia (one of the borderline countries) will be and Japan will be.

The weird thing about Japan is that my first very rough calculation had them seeded and I tweeted to that effect but it seemed odd so I dug deeper and thought I had found a mistake which meant they wouldn't be that close and deleted the tweet to avoid causing people confusion (and myself embarrassment LOL) yet somehow, they are seeded after all ...

Anyway, assuming these official rankings aren't subject to last-minute revision like the last set of Fed Cup rankings infamously turned out to be, the possible opponents in September are as follows, with a 43.75% chance of a home tie:

Rank - Country - Venue

2 - Spain - AWAY
10 - Austria - AWAY
11 - Croatia - AWAY
12 - Switzerland - HOME
13 - Germany - HOME
14 - Australia - HOME
15 - Belgium - AWAY
16 - Japan - LOT

From the point of view of winning the tie, any of the last four in that list would be good, I think. Switzerland at home might be fun too - if Muzz and Fed both played, they could fill somewhere pretty big. Only Spain away would give us little or no chance if they got anything like a full team out.

[Sallydaisy]

Switzerland, Germany or Australia at home (on Court 1 Wimbledon) would be awesome.

With Andy in the team and Fleming/Marray in Doubles we could probably get past all those opponents depending whether Nadal plays for Spain and Fedex plays for Switzerland - and even then the ties are winnable!

The 4 definite Away ties would almost certainly be played on clay giving us a slight disadvantage - but Wardy likes clay and Andy is working hard to get better on it so there could still be an 'upset'.

What a prospect ...
:p

[Sallydaisy]

Best to have a new thread .....

:GBflag:

[cazza99]

I just hope its not Spain.

[pabbers]

I'll be away.............:crying:

[hfwardhouse]

:eek: it's Mr HFW's birthday that weekend .... uh oh .....

[RoastLamb]

I just hope its not Spain.

I said that about Canada and it worked out fine for us. ;)

[Elenive]

Switzerland, Germany or Australia at home (on Court 1 Wimbledon) would be awesome.

Oh, that would be a dream! Especially if Andy wins the wimby title this year! (Though :cauldron:)
I was a little too young to appreciate the DC at wimby GBvAustria tie in 2008, so would love that prospect. Another Fed vs Andy wimby match would be a fun one :GBflag:

[Jan62]

Going to have to start saving. If we get a home tie, will have to try everything to be there. Especially if we get Switzerland, with an Andy v Feddykins match up. Come on!

[Sallydaisy]

The Ricoh Jaguar Arena would like to host (http://www.ricoharena.com/sport/sport-events/davis-cup-2013/) another DC tie ...
;)

[jaysee]

I'm hoping we'll need a bigger venue for the next home tie! :GBflag:

[Elenive]

Think a big venue might be needed for any of the teams that we will have a home tie for Switzerland, Germany and Australia!

:grass:

[jaysee]

Think a big venue might be needed for any of the teams that we will have a home tie for Switzerland, Germany and Australia!

:grass:
...and even if we have an away tie in September, if we win and get into the World Group for next year we'll need a bigger venue than the Ricoh for our next home tie, whoever it is!

[Elenive]

Yeah, much prefer to have a home tie though, some of the away tie opponents are pretty unexciting on paper.

On another note if we get Spain... eek! My guess is that that will be on clay, which will be almost impossible for us to get through (even with Andy playing) against a nation whose players are amazing on clay!

[JAMES4578]

Whilst a top Spanish team would be very tough would have its attractions of course and one of the away ties which would convenient for quite a few of us! Anyway great we are at least guaranteed to stay in Group 1! Of course Switzerland at home would also be pretty exciting and doubt it would be Coventry or Braehead for that one.

[Sallydaisy]

Great Britain have drawn Croatia AWAY!

[hfwardhouse]

Oh well .... At least that decides it .... I won't be going :crying: but it's winnable :boogie:

[Elenive]

What do you think the surface will be... Clay?

[Sallydaisy]

WORLD GROUP PLAY OFF DRAW - first country is the host nation.

Croatia v Great Britain
Spain v Ukraine
Netherlands v Austria
Switzerland v Ecuador
Germany v Brazil
Poland v Australia
Belgium v Israel
Japan v Colombia

[jaysee]

I'm afraid I won't be going to this one, but hopefully there'll be some proper TV coverage!

Cilic, Karlovic, and Dodig - I think we'll be relying on Andy getting 2 points plus the doubles team doing the business for this one. For all Wardy and Evo's heroics last weekend, this is definitely a step up. However it's certainly winnable. Go GB! :GBflag:

[Steven]

So, our run of 7 home ties comes to an end and we get our first away tie in more than 3 years ... but it's a decent draw against the last team we beat in a World Group playoff tie - Tim Henman's last tie at Wimbledon in 2007.

Croatia's top 4 singles players are:

Marin Cilic WR 11
Ivan Dodig WR 54
Ivo Karlovic WR 136
Antonio Veic WR 146

Cilic and Dodig are Croatia's top 2 doubles players as well (ranked 50 & 33 respectively) & they each played all 3 days in their last tie.

I won't be able to get there, unfortunately :grrr:, but hopefully some of you will be able to make the trip - should be pretty nice there in September.

[Sallydaisy]

Croatia, who were the last team GB won a World Group playoff tie against, have til April 30th to confirm venue for the tie.

[Jan62]

Well I guess an away tie was overdue. Croatia in September will be beautiful for those who can get there - lovely weather and most of the tourists will have gone. Unfortunately its pretty unlikely I will be able to do it. Will be tricky, but if Andy plays then its definitely winnable. Without him, it might just be a step too far even for the heroics of Wardy and Evo (just assuming that Fleming/Marray will automatically win the dubs!). Bring it on though. Go Team GB!

[patmoren]

I will try and go if it is possible to have the trip organised by ?LTA. Don't think I could do it all myself.

[Caro]

The LTA always used to organise DC trips through co-op travel but that was years ago when Tim and Greg were still playing. The last time I checked for an away tie (Lithuania) they weren't doing it any more it was another travel company (can't remember who). When I phoned them they said they weren't organising anything for the Lithuania tie.

Probably the best first port of call would be the LTA who provide the tickets anyway.Gill and I would dearly love to go and will do all we can to make it. Unfortunately money is a bit tighter than usual for both of us this year and I might have to move back into our newly renovated house around that time.....

It's still a definate maybe though ....

Anyone else thinking about going??

[pabbers]

Wow - for anyone able to go, Croatia is beeeeyooootiful - went there on hols last year. Won't be there myself as I'll be on holiday but wouldn't have travelled abroad in any case - too expensive.

[JAMES4578]

Will need to look more into it but am definitely considering a trip to Croatia for the Davis cup! Would be much better if it could be arranged via the LTA. Whilst Croatia may not have been the first choice for many as long as Andy plays it is a resonable tie. Never been before and think it would be an interesting place anyway.

[pabbers]

I suppose the ideal would be a 2 week holiday with DC on the middle weekend..........

[Jan62]

I suppose the ideal would be a 2 week holiday with DC on the middle weekend..........

That would be perfect! Have already had a browse but I don't think I can even manage a week's holiday from work mid September. And it depends where they choose for the tie, because some of the holiday destinations might be a bit of a journey from the location. Definitely worth investigating though.

[Linda]

I'd definitely like to go :)

[david1610]

FWIW this would be a trip inside the European Union as Croatia is set to join the EU as Member State number 28 on 1 July 2013.

[Linda]

I've just been looking at flights and there are not many and they are rather expensive :(

[lankster2003]

I've dropped the LTA a quick e-mail to enquire about possible travel packages so I'll let you's know if/when I receive a reply.

[Bob in Spain]

Come on everyone - get your passports out !!

With regard to flights, the best I have found are Easyjet from Gatwick into Split for about 180 pounds, flying out on the Weds and back the following Monday. Of course, until we know which venue they will use, looking for flights is a rather pointless exercise.

Sadly for me, flights direct from Spain to Croatia don't seem to exist.

[JAMES4578]

I've dropped the LTA a quick e-mail to enquire about possible travel packages so I'll let you's know if/when I receive a reply.

Think a travel package woulds be the best option for us but we'll need to wait and see,suppose would depend on the interest.


Come on everyone - get your passports out !!

With regard to flights, the best I have found are Easyjet from Gatwick into Split for about 180 pounds, flying out on the Weds and back the following Monday. Of course, until we know which venue they will use, looking for flights is a rather pointless exercise.

Sadly for me, flights direct from Spain to Croatia don't seem to exist.

Of course we don't know exactly where we're going yet but good to get at least an idea.I did see an Easyjet return from Gatwick to Zagreb for £125 but the drawback is it's a late flight back on the Monday and takes 9 hours with a stop over in Barcelona,cheapest direct was £175.

[supergran]

I looked at flights today but they were expensive as were the hotels but obviously didn't know which airport or area of venue.

[Caro]

Yes, me and Gill had a look too. There are number of airports but flights do look expensive. I looked at where Croatia have held previous DC ties hoping to second guess where they might choose but they have held them all over the place! Interestingly though, they have always held ties indoors even in the summer! Sometimes indoor clay.

We once second guessed for Austria away and ties had consistently been held in the same place so we gambled and booked our flights for £25!! That was in the days when you get dirt cheap flights though!! We were right about the venue and many people ended up paying well over £100 (we'd be happy with that now!)

Have a feeling this will be a step too expensive for me in a year of BIG spending on our house .....

[jeannie13]

The only direct flights to croatia from Edinburgh are to Dubrovnik. Can get flights to Zagreb via Frankfurt (Lufthansa) Cost just under£250 !!!:sad:

[jaysee]

Ryanair's route map shows Stanstead to Pula or Rijeka; Stanstead, Liverpool or East Midlands to Zadar. However Stanstead-Zadar would have to be Wednesday to Wednesday, so a whole week of hotels, at a flight cost of £140 (+ luggage).
Easyjet Gatwick-Split £178; Gatwick-Zagreb £175 (both Thurs - Mon).

Nice thought, but I'm afraid it's the TV for me.

[cazza99]

Would it be cheaper to fly to a neighbouring country to Croatia and then change? E.g. Hungary is near to Croatia and there are often cheap flights to Hungary?

[Linda]

We'll obviously have to look at it more closely when the venue is known, but it does seem that it won't be possible to fly out and back on the days/times we want, and that it will be expensive. :sad: Of course if there were enough of us we could maybe charter our own plane? Or maybe the LTA would do that? In some ways it's a pity we didn't draw Spain as that would have been much easier to get to, although of course it's better for the team that we've drawn Croatia as it's much more winnable. If it really seems impossible (my main problem is that I have to be at work on Mondays) then I might go to Spain/Ukraine instead.

[JAMES4578]

We'll obviously have to look at it more closely when the venue is known, but it does seem that it won't be possible to fly out and back on the days/times we want, and that it will be expensive. :sad: Of course if there were enough of us we could maybe charter our own plane? Or maybe the LTA would do that? In some ways it's a pity we didn't draw Spain as that would have been much easier to get to, although of course it's better for the team that we've drawn Croatia as it's much more winnable. If it really seems impossible (my main problem is that I have to be at work on Mondays) then I might go to Spain/Ukraine instead.

Unfortunate you can't get Mondays off Linda,flights for a convenient time on the Sunday could be a bit problematic from Croatia.

[pabbers]

(my main problem is that I have to be at work on Mondays)

I think it's about time your work made back up plans for if you (God forbid) fell under a bus!!! Surely you MUST have Mondays off some time???????? No??????

[Sallydaisy]

I'm posting up some information in another thread to do with DC away travelling. I'll open it once I've added one more wodge of information.

[JAMES4578]

Only three of the play off venues have been confirmed now, but apparently the others have an extension till 17 May,including Spain. Thank goodness Croatia decided quickly!

[cazza99]

I wonder whether they will be including Klein, the new UK no 3 (who has changed nationality from Australian) in the team.

[Bardot]

Just wondering what chance Andy now playing DC on clay in Croatia.

[JAMES4578]

Just wondering what chance Andy now playing DC on clay in Croatia.

Yes was thinking about that and and of course not long after the Us Open,obviously Andy must consider his best interests even if it's difficult without him.

[harriet]

chance of andy playing on clay zero and diminishing i'd think, even for leon and the team

[rouges]

He only needs to win 2 matches or 1 match each of the single players and the doubles. not too demanding if the old back holds up. Fingers crossed.

[Sallydaisy]

Bumping this up since the teams have now been announced:-

CROATIA
Team: Ivan Dodig, Antonio Veic, Mate Pavic, Borna Coric.
No Marin Cilic or Ivo Karlovic.

GREAT BRITAIN
Team: Andy Murray, Dan Evans, James Ward, Colin Fleming.

Andy is lined up to play 2 singles and a doubles (with Fleming) which explains why Marray isn't in the team (and probably why Andy/Colin hooked up in Canada!).

However, per this tweet below it's clear that there are contingencies in place should Andy not be able to make it for whatever reason after the US Open.


Russell Fuller ‏@russellcfuller (https://twitter.com/russellcfuller) 2h (https://twitter.com/russellcfuller/status/374913027310899201)

Andy Murray is down to play singles & doubles in Davis Cup in Umag next week but Jonny Marray could be called up if US Open takes its toll

[JAMES4578]

I knew Cilic was in all likelihood out of the equation and with Karlovic ruled out too not a particularly strong Croatian lineup though of course home advantage and clay. Personally I'd rather Andy just plays the singles but seems Marray will only be there if Andy doesn't participate at all.

[Jan62]

I was quite surprised to see James Ward in the team and no Marray. Maybe asking a bit much of Andy to play singles and dubs, especially on clay - then I wondered if Dan and James would be down for singles with Andy and Colin for dubs. Guess we will have to wait and see what happens this weekend...... However, whoever plays I reckon we've got a great chance - especially with no Cilic or Karlovic!

[patmoren]

Leon certainly not showing his hand at present, several alternatives depending on US open results.

[Linda]

Just read that the reason Cilic isn't in the team is because he was tested positive for glucose. How can glucose be a banned substance? It's in almost everything we eat (or rather, the sugars in the food we eat are converted to glucose by our bodies)!

[Helen40]

Bumping this up since the teams have now been announced:-
Andy is lined up to play 2 singles and a doubles (with Fleming) which explains why Marray isn't in the team (and probably why Andy/Colin hooked up in Canada!).

I really don't like this, I feel pretty strongly that the team who got us here should be playing more. I'm all for having Andy back in the team, but to play three rubbers??? It's too much team Andy and not team GB.

[Linda]

Perhaps Marray was not available for selection for some reason? I do agree though, that I would have expected the team to consist of Andy, Dan, Colin & Jonny (or if Jonny couldn't make it, another doubles player). Perhaps Leon chose the team to cover all angles - if Andy or Dan for any reason were not able to play their second match, then he would have Wardy to fall back on.

[Helen40]

It seems like he's put Wardy and Evo in for PC purposes ie not dropping either one of them. There are arguments for having Wardy and not Evo as Wardy is a better clay courter.

[Jan]

Just read that the reason Cilic isn't in the team is because he was tested positive for glucose. How can glucose be a banned substance? It's in almost everything we eat (or rather, the sugars in the food we eat are converted to glucose by our bodies)!

The reports aren't very clear, but some do suggest that it was a glucose supplement which also contained a banned substance.

[Reef]

It seems like he's put Wardy and Evo in for PC purposes ie not dropping either one of them. There are arguments for having Wardy and not Evo as Wardy is a better clay courter.

Is he? I didn't know that. Worried about Andy's back on clay.....

[jaysee]

Since Leon can change things until shortly before the draw (was it 1 hour??), I think this announcement was basically a holding exercise - i.e. not dropping James or Dan at this stage! Lots of possible permutations, but I think the main ones (apart from Andy playing 3 matches) are:

He could leave Andy out on Friday (particularly if he's only just arrived from New York!), putting him in the doubles with Colin and then the final match on the Sunday if we need it for the win (but that means James or Dan really need to win at least one of Friday's matches); or

He could put Jonny Marray back in for the doubles with Colin and drop James or Dan, so that Andy plays two singles but not the doubles.

[jaysee]

Only just spotted this tweet from Neil:

Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes)2h (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/375329869338406912)
A 6-0, 6-0 victory in boys' singles for @borna_coric (https://twitter.com/borna_coric) to celebrate his debut at 16 in Croatian Davis Cup team

[Sallydaisy]

2 additions to the GBR Davis Cup squad ... no surprise really, Leon has to cover all bases.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/kyle-edmund-and-jonny-marray-added-to-davis-cup-squad-8804076.html

I'm glad Jonny has been included and it'll be good for Kyle to go again for experience.

[Jan62]

Pleased that Jonny has been included, no surprises really as Sally said. Great for Kyle to get the trip also for the experience and a good reward for his year.

[Sallydaisy]

Dan's already getting some practice in on the 'devil dirt' ...


British Tennis ‏@BritishTennis (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis) 9m (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis/status/377403634235224064) Dan Evans practices on the clay before the #DavisCup (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23DavisCup&src=hash) in Croatia
#CROvGB (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CROvGB&src=hash) http://instagram.com/p/eFFCjfvnZt/ (http://t.co/YV2yHrGlk1)

[Reef]

Aah, bless - go Danny-boy!!

PS. Very pleased to hear about the new additions - Jonny & Kyle. Plenty of options now. :thumbup:

[harriet]

so pleased to see that jonny marray and kyle edmund are going - hope andy will only play singles, if needed in fifth game, and fleming/marray can do dubs

[jaysee]

so pleased to see that jonny marray and kyle edmund are going - hope andy will only play singles, if needed in fifth game, and fleming/marray can do dubs
Final team is only four, so if Jonny and Andy are both in, then either Dan or James would have to be dropped and Andy would play two singles rubbers.

[harriet]

Final team is only four, so if Jonny and Andy are both in, then either Dan or James would have to be dropped and Andy would play two singles rubbers.
I'd drop andy, he can coach and cheer, and if those 4 aren't good enough then promotion is not merited

[Sallydaisy]

Andy's on the clay ... and Rossco is there in Croatia too!
:dance:


British Tennis ‏@BritishTennis (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis) 1h (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis/status/377452893299036160) #TennisIs (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TennisIs&src=hash) practice @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) & @colin_fleming (https://twitter.com/colin_fleming) prepare for the @DavisCup (https://twitter.com/DavisCup)
featuring @RoscoHutchins (https://twitter.com/RoscoHutchins) #CROvGB (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CROvGB&src=hash) - http://ow.ly/oJQ8g (http://t.co/pPDHahZqFa)

[hfwardhouse]

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

So lovely to see Ross there :cheer:

[Hawkeye]

Given that clip, it'll be Andy getting dropped!

[Jan]

Brilliant - and yes, fantastic to see Ross there too!

[patmoren]

I rather Andy were in so that we definitely have a chance to go up.

[Helen40]

I'd drop andy, he can coach and cheer, and if those 4 aren't good enough then promotion is not merited

I'm with Harriet on this one. The team who got us there should be playing, and it's not like Andy would be there for every tie if we got into the World Group, so we need to know we can do it without him.

Besides how would you like to have played your heart out and trained/taken time out of your life only to be dropped for someone who isn't commited to the team??

[themass15]

Without being disrespectful to the other players, there is no way GB will win a World Group match without Andy playing. The fact that he is would suggest he will play in the World Group next year if they manage to beat Croatia. I was at the last GB v Croatia tie at Wimbledon and saw Tim Henman's last match which was emotional. The main Croatian players did not play then and it would appear with Cilic out, maybe this is a tie GB is meant to win.

[Reef]

Without being disrespectful to the other players, there is no way GB will win a World Group match without Andy playing. The fact that he is would suggest he will play in the World Group next year if they manage to beat Croatia. I was at the last GB v Croatia tie at Wimbledon and saw Tim Henman's last match which was emotional. The main Croatian players did not play then and it would appear with Cilic out, maybe this is a tie GB is meant to win.

Yes I was there too! Found the photos the other day.....memories.

[Steven]

That Croatia tie at Wimbledon was brilliant fun - only wish I could be in Umag for the return match!

In fact, as well as being the last time GB won a Davis Cup World Group play-off tie, it was also the last time Croatia lost a World Group play-off tie.

This weekend, GB will be attempting to do something they have only managed twice before in 7 attempts, i.e. to win a World Group play-off tie away from home.

Lots of you will remember the last time GB won a WGPO away tie - 'just' 12 years ago, when a GB Team led by Tim and Greg beat Ecuador 4-1 on clay in Guayaquil, a year after they had humiliated us on grass at Wimbledon.

The only other time was in Barcelona back in 1982, when a team led by Buster Mottram and (now Wimbledon referee) Andrew Jarrett beat Spain on clay 3-2 - a result now that sounds even more unlikely than what happened the next (and last) time we played them in 1986, when Sánchez & Casal (now of academy fame) beat Jeremy Bates & John Lloyd 4-1 on carpet in Telford.

[jaysee]

Draw confirms Andy and Dan for the singles, James is presumably still in the team as reserve

Davis Cup ‏@DavisCup (https://twitter.com/DavisCup)6m (https://twitter.com/DavisCup/status/378102180978655233)
Great Britain v Croatia draw: Coric v Murray, Dodig v Evans, Dodig/Pavic v Murray/Fleming, Dodig v Murray, Coric v Evans
Retweeted by British Tennis (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis)

[Steven]

Jonny Marray is in for James Ward, and the day 1 line-up is as follows:

10.00 BST: Andy Murray WR 3 v Borna Coric WR 525 (=CH) - USO junior champs 9 years apart

followed by: Dan Evans WR 149 v Ivan Dodig WR 35 (CH 32 in 2011)

They have Andy down to play the doubles but there must be a significant chance that he won't, otherwise surely it would make more sense to leave James in to give us singles cover for day 3.

[jaysee]

British Tennis ‏@BritishTennis (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis)16m (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis/status/378100452698914816)
And in the doubles it will be @Colin_Fleming (https://twitter.com/colin_fleming) & @Andy_Murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) with Jonny Marray replacing James Ward as reserve #CROvGB (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CROvGB&src=hash) #BackTheBrits (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BackTheBrits&src=hash)
No, Jonny's in, so might still play the doubles.

[Reef]

Dodig is a very tricky customer - Dan will need to be at his very best for that one!

I do hope they don't over-play Andy, though Leon will obviously be aware of the back problems and clay. I'm sure after all the years they've known eachother they will be able to communicate freely.

[harriet]

i have just put my tuppence worth on the usual thread in 'coaches corner' - "I'm glad that andy and dan evans will take on the singles on Friday. I hope jonny marray will be allowed to play dubs with colin fleming, I can't think andy has to arrogate this to himself too. and if, as I hope, the final singles is a freeby then colin fleming might be given his head again, if he wishes. "

[jaysee]

Jamie Baker's in the Eurosport team for the match :thumbup:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/tramlines/jamie-baker-murray-britain-favourites-croatia-clash-095217466.html

[HoopGirl]

Yes I was there too! Found the photos the other day.....memories.

yes I was there too!

How funny!

[LC the fan]

Good luck GB. Do hope they Leon gives the Fleming/Marray combo it's chance.....three five setters in 3 days is so much to ask

[Sallydaisy]

OOP for the 3 days - subject to change depending how things go on Friday and Saturday.

Friday 13th September - 10am start UK time.
Murray, WR3 v Coric, WR525
Evans, WR149 v Dodig, WR36

Saturday 14th September
Murray/Fleming v Coric/Dodig

Sunday 15th September
Murray v Dodig
Evans v Coric

[harriet]

aren't the other 2 members of the Croatian squad playing?

[Jane]

Wishing Andy and the rest of the team all the very best of luck in Umag.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[lynne]

Nice to have it televised, just a shame we have Miss Croft!:facepalm:




:GBflag:The Very Best of Luck Team GB!!!!:GBflag:

[Jane]

Nice to have it televised, just a shame we have Miss Croft!:facepalm:




:GBflag:The Very Best of Luck Team GB!!!!:GBflag:



Yes indeed - decided to interview while the teams were being interviewed - and LOL is still being heard when she shouldn't
be

[Jan]

good luck lads!
:GBflag::GBflag:

shame about the version of our national anthem :grrr:

[lynne]

Yes Jane, so true, bit of a shambles so far, seeing as she "managed to wing it".......lovely to see Ross & Jamie though (makes up for Croft):thumbup:

[harriet]

what a rally in the first game, 57 shots! eurosport and 5live SE, great!

[silver]

Nice shot of Supergran already.

[jaysee]

Nice shot of Supergran already.
Spotted patmoren during the preliminaries too:GBflag:

[lynne]

Great shots of Supergran sat behind team GB! :thumbup:



Got to admit some great play from the young lad!

[harriet]

andy's tactic seems to be to run the legs off coric, who has despatched 2 lobs with terrific backward over the shoulders ripostes, he is playing really well, whereas loads of UEs from andy

[Jan]

very impressive from the young lad

[Jan]

first set to GB 6-3 :cheer:

[harriet]

first set in the bag, 6-3, 49mins, coric to serve first next set. unusually andy served first in first set - his choice or coric's?

[jaysee]

first set in the bag, 6-3, 49mins, coric to serve first next set. unusually andy served first in first set - his choice or coric's?

Coric won the toss,so he must have chosen to receive.

[Jane]

Second set to Andy:boogie::clap::boogie::clap:

[Jan]

and the second set 6-0

[harriet]

rather quicker second set, 6-0. coric to serve first set 3

[Alis]

Any clues as to how do we might identify any of our AM members who are in Croatia? It would be nice to put faces to names.

[harriet]

and coric holds serve, first game he has won for a while. croatia on the fight back?

[harriet]

coric breaks andy, he serves at 3-1, the fightback is ON!

[lynne]

Great shot from the young lad!!!:thumbup:



Andy playing well, but still not up to scratch, lots of problems with that back, gone on far to long for my liking but we don't know the full details:sad:

[Jane]

Andy's back seems to be hurting

[lynne]

Any clues as to how do we might identify any of our AM members who are in Croatia? It would be nice to put faces to names."

All I can say "Supergran" is the lady wearing the white top, Union Jack "cowboy" hat, large sunglasses & waving Union flag & is nearly always first on her feet to cheer Andy on(passionate lady!:wave:) not much help I know:thumbup:

[Jane]

Eurosport idiots switched to ads during the last game!!!

Now there is an on-screen apopogy for loss of picture

[harriet]

GB breaks back, on serve again, eurosport has gone into mammoth commercials, long live 5live SE!

[Jan]

where has the match gone???????????????????????

[Bardot]

I think Eurosport have lost transmission as the streams also seem to be down. 5LiveSX it is.

[traveller7]

My livestream just has some weird sport stuff on it :/
Hope if Andys back is bad he and team have the sense to swap him tomorrow

[Alis]

Seems Eurosport has lost reception.

[lynne]

Great.........Eurosport have lost the picture!!!!!:grrr:

[harriet]

eurosport now apologising for loss of picture, long live 5live SE!

[Jane]

Picture back

[traveller7]

back online come on andy get this over with

[Alis]

Andy's back definitely seems to be a problem. It makes me wonder if it was more of a problem than he admitted to in Canada and America.

[Jan]

I really hope Andy doesn't play the doubles - he must look after his back

[traveller7]

Andy still got a very negative slump going on definitely something not right with him

[Reef]

Oh we're back.....dare I mention the word?? Andy not happy with body parts. Wishing he was on grass...

[harriet]

GB get the break, to serve at 4-3

[traveller7]

make it simple, make it count Andy 2 more games come on

[lynne]

Don't tell me they have lost transmission again:grrr:

[traveller7]

Eurosport lost the stream again it seems

[Reef]

I really don't want to see Mo running right now - he'll be doing enough of that Sunday in Gt North Run.

[traveller7]

Scores anyone please?

[harriet]

no pictures, and commentary is pretty well off line, gather andy held serve, coric serving at 3-5

[traveller7]

Ok 5-3 come on Andy

[traveller7]

Picture back deuce on Cro serve

[Jane]

Yesssss - Andy wins:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::GBflag::GBflag:

Sad to see him in pain:crying:

[Reef]

Go get an ice bath Andy?!

[harriet]

GB win 6-3, 6-0, 6-3, just over 2 hours

[traveller7]

Well done Andy please take care of yourself, dont want to hinder your chances for later tournaments

[Bardot]

Well done Andy! :clap:

An "everything to lose" kind of match which just has to be got through. He said beforehand that the best part of Davis Cup was being with the guys in the week leading up to the matches and I'm sure he still thinks that. ;)

Andy saying his back is feeling a bit sore.

[Reef]

Well done Andy! :clap:

An "everything to lose" kind of match which just has to be got through. He said beforehand that the best part of Davis Cup was being with the guys in the week leading up to the matches and I'm sure he still thinks that. ;)

Andy saying his back is feeling a bit sore.

If he says he's sore then he's definitely in pain. Hope Leon takes that on board.

[traveller7]

Next up dan hope he gets a win too would be great to be 2-0 up by tonight

[Jan]

well done Andy
:GBflag::GBflag:

next up SuperDan :superman:

[lynne]

Well done Andy...so glad you got through that!!!:GBsmile: Back problem is a worry, but Andy is a clever lad & knows what he is doing!!!:GBflag:


Great effort from Coric!:)

[harriet]

andy saying that DC should be 'mandatory', think he wants to see it given more prominence in the ATP calendar. captain may not pick the highest ranked players tho. and they play 18 scheduled tourneys, pretty exhausting to add in 4DCs as well

[Bardot]

If he says he's sore then he's definitely in pain. Hope Leon takes that on board.
He did also say "there's only 2 matches to go so let's get the job done" so he seems up for the challenge. If Dan beats Dodig I think Andy will play doubles with the view that get the tie finished and he doesn't have to play singles against Dodig which will be much tougher and strenuous match. This is based on Andy plus anyone is still the best doubles combination. If Dan loses then Andy should rest for the singles on Sunday.

[Steven]

A spirited challenge from Ćorić but still nice and quick :-) Saw lots of AMFFers in the crowd, tried not to be too envious!

Andy gets his first ATP ranking points from Davis Cup (a measly 5 LOL)

Andy is now 15-1 in Davis Cup singles (Wawrinka is a right pain LOL) and, having cancelled out the loss in his one previous appearance in Croatia (lost to Ljubicic in R1 at Zagreb ATP in 2006), there are now unique answers to the questions:

1) Are the any countries where Andy has a negative W-L record at ATP/DC level? - now only Italy

2) Are the any countries where Andy has a negative W-L record in ATP-ranked matches as a whole? - now only Germany

[Bardot]

Andy will just have to give Queens a miss next year and play Halle and sort that deficit out. If only..... ;)

[jaysee]

Andy gets his first ATP ranking points from Davis Cup (a measly 5 LOL)

Andy is now 15-1 in Davis Cup singles (Wawrinka is a right pain LOL)

I think it was Frew McMillan referred two or three times to Andy having not lost in Davis Cup since 2005 - without the important word "singles". Can't help but remember Liverpool, my first live Davis Cup match, when Andy & Ross lost the doubles to Poland although Andy won both his singles matches. Another tie when Andy played although he was carrying an injury.

[Jan]

I know I've said it before, but I love watching Dan play :superman:

[Yorkie]

well done Andy
:GBflag::GBflag:

next up SuperDan :superman:

Whats that Supergran has been promoted into the team.

Oh no sorry maybe a slight misread by me!!

[traveller7]

Croatia broken GBR leading 4-3

[traveller7]

And Croatia get the first set 6-3

[harriet]

evo had break point on dodig's serve, but no joy. he'll serve now at 0-1

[traveller7]

2-2
dan really holding his own against Dodig impressive

[harriet]

ugh, evo dropped serve, dodig will serve at 4-2

[Jan]

I have to go out......
Please keep cheering on my behalf.
Come on Dan!

[traveller7]

Dodig 5-2 and in control

[harriet]

dodig held serve, good net play, evo threw his raquet at one point, but no penalty, all going well for croatia at the mo.
hope evo can hold serve now and make dodig serve it out

[harriet]

alas, evo broken, rather careless at times. second set 6-2 to Croatia

[traveller7]

looks like Andy will be playing doubles tomorrow after all

[Jane]

Feeling very sorry for Dan right now

[Madeline]

He is not really being outplayed - just plain outpowered. I'm not saying Dodig is a ball-basher - he has an all-court game - but he is very strong.

[harriet]

yeh, evo not playing as well as I had hoped, less fight and fire. wrong surface for him, and he must be in a lull after new york

[harriet]

evo holds serve, so dodig must serve it out, 5-3

[traveller7]

Shows up the difference in rankings but still think Dan has played well
Just saved 2 mps on his serve so making Dodig serve it out

[harriet]

Croatia win second rubber, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3, I think? certainly straight sets

[traveller7]

6-3 6-2 6-2
1-1 the tie all to play for tomorrow

[Reef]

I don't think Dan was at all comfortable on the surface (scourge of the Brits!) which is probably why he didn't play as freely as usual. Dodig is a very good play anyway and more than competent. I wonder whether Leon might consider James for the reverse singles - obviously depending on the score.

I'm sure Andy will want to give his all for the team but hopefully not to the detriment of his back problems given that Jonny is available. Really worry about that back - as others have said I'm not sure he was anywhere near 100% fit in Canada/US.

[banskogirl]

Didn't get watch the match so thanks everyone for he posts! Pity Dan lost but he's still a long way to go and these few days should help immensely! Now just hope Andy's back holds up and yes I agree this does make us wonder how much it was a factor in US Open :/

On a brighter note, this time next year we could be cheering Rosco!

[themass15]

Great to see Ross looking fit and healthy. Thought Dodig played frighteningly well today. It could all come down to the doubles tomorrow. Let us hope Andy is fit and raring to go. :GBsmile:

[patmoren]

Andy did seem to be having problems with his back when he came out to join the team after his match, rubbing his side a bit and stretching I sincerely hop he doesn't play doubles tomorrow because we need him more for the reverse singles. Great day today excellent atmosphere, lots of union jacks around the stadium, once Andy had got used to playing the youngster the second set was easy. Credit to the Croatian he fought hard in the third, but Andy had his measure. Great days tennis, lovely watching in the warm sunshine! Just been for a swim in the outside pool. We a had a very pleasant walk all the edge of the sea to the Stadium and back, with an icecream on the way.

[banskogirl]

Aw Pat, Andy, tennis AND a pool! I'm currently on the ferry from N.I. To Scotland to return our daughter to Cumbria uni, it'll be lovely but Croatia sounds even better! Enjoy!

[Reef]

Yes I agree - save Andy for Dodig rather than play him in the dubs. Now Pat has seen him at close quarters, even more concerned about back. Thank goodness he has his team there to minister.....

[traveller7]

So just checked my tennis livescore app and Murray is down for the doubles tomorrow with Fleming at 1pm

[jaysee]

Highlights programme at 10pm on Eurosport 1 - I wonder if they'll have any news of the doubles plans?

[Jan]

Oh dear I do hope they know what they're doing with Andy's back. I'm sure they do, but it is a worry.

Shame SuperDan couldn't overcome Dodig today - but he was looking frighteningly good before I had to go out.

[Alis]

Poor Andy - he's out there doing his best for his country on the devil dirt and his back is obviously a real problem. Do you think the British press will give him the credit he deserves for his sacrifice? I doubt it and if - heaven forbid - he loses a match, his detractors will have a field day. Andy obviously loves being part of the team but I really hope it's not a repeat of 2009 when playing Davis Cup put him out of competition for months.

[Jan]

The Beeb's take on it is here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/24079915
Leon says it will basically be up to Andy

[LC the fan]

Maybe they think that, if they win the dubs and Dan does his stuff to make the third rubber, Andy can skip the final match?
I don't like the fact that he feels he has to take the whole tie on his shoulders. That happened before with his wrist and he took some time to get over it. Glad Leon admitted that Andys well being is more important

[david1610]

It clearly has always made sense to save Andy for the singles. And if your replacement is a Wimbledon doubles champion, it makes even more sense to rest him. If Andy's back is so-so, then Dodig is not a walkover. Better team strategy to save Andy for the singles and, in an ideal world, he might not be needed at all.

[Sallydaisy]

Maybe they think that, if they win the dubs and Dan does his stuff to make the third rubber, Andy can skip the final match?

I may be wrong but I've been to loads of DC ties and it's almost always the #1 players who play first on the final day leaving the #2's to play the 5th rubber which often proves to be a very exciting decider!
;)

So, if we win the doubles (whoever plays) and Andy wins the 4th rubber to give GBR a 3-1 victory then the 5th rubber is 'dead' and often played by alternates.

[dewster99]

I'd play Marray tomorrow as him and Colin are both top quality doubles players. Not sure of the standard Croat pairing but if Dodig serves and volleys like he did today they'll be a handful. We can certainly win both reverse singles but would be nice to wrap it up with a rubber to spare particularly as Veic will probably replace Coric if it goes to a decider. Dodig did look really good today though so Andy's returns will have to be on song

[Helen40]

There seem to be alot of excuses for Dan (on this thread) about it being on clay and come down after the USO.

Myself, I wonder whether it's to do with Andy being in the team, and Dan feeling less responsibility, less in the limelight, and more pressure (after his USO run). For the ties before it was up to him, and he was such a clear underdog with no real wins but alot of talent.

[Helen40]

I'm all for playing Marray, always have been. We've got dubs specialists, so why not use them.

[Genbrit]

Sounds to me as though the decision is being left to Andy. Not sure I agree with that as I think Fleming and Marray should play as doubles specialists and rest Andy as a lot of you have said. Hope Andy doesn't think he is their only chance of winning as I would think Fleming/Marray would stand as good a chance of winning the doubles as Fleming/Murray. With the back situation he will have a tough game on Sunday as it is.

[Reef]

Sounds to me as though the decision is being left to Andy. Not sure I agree with that as I think Fleming and Marray should play as doubles specialists and rest Andy as a lot of you have said. Hope Andy doesn't think he is their only chance of winning as I would think Fleming/Marray would stand as good a chance of winning the doubles as Fleming/Murray. With the back situation he will have a tough game on Sunday as it is.

I was about to make exactly the same point. I rather wish Leon, or one of Andy's team, would just tell him NO but then Andy clearly feels a big sense of responsibility having committed to this tie and would want to see it through. I would have thought by now the media would give him a break if he decides not to play in the dubs.

Apparently Dodig is an excellent doubles player & has done well in recent times with the partner whose name I forget (other than it begins with a P!). It would be good if Colin (who knows Andy so well) would make the decision for him, but I guess that's too much to ask.

PLEASE Andy - don't play today at least!

[Niknak's Mum]

I'm with everyone who thinks Andy should save his back for tomorrow .... we have doubles players who get to the business end of Grand Slams ... why wouldn't you put Jonny on with Colin?

Good luck today team GB ... whoever plays! :GBflag:

[Reef]

I'm beginning to think that as Andy's back problem appears to be a chronic condition, yet one that can be managed (much as Rafa's knee problems can be) - perhaps it would be no bad thing if he were to avoid clay as much as possible in the future. Look what happened after he pulled out of the French this year.........:yahoo:

Sorry, this may not be the place for posting this thought, but needed to express it before I go about my daily duties!

[patmoren]

We haven't heard anything today. Match starts at2pm local time so fingers crossed that is Colin and Johnny (hate predictive text!!). They were practising together yesterday.

[Sallydaisy]

We haven't heard anything today. Match starts at2pm local time so fingers crossed that is Colin and Johnny (hate predictive text!!). They were practising together yesterday.
Hi Pat, hope you're enjoying the 'away' experience!

Sorry I wasn't able to post your text message yesterday. I set off for work at 06.10 and once there I don't have internet access so I couldn't help. When I got home I saw that you'd managed to post the information so I presume everyone got their tickets ...

Enjoy today!!!

Latest tweet from British Tennis (LTA) indicates Andy still intends to play the doubles.
Per this reply to forum member Dewster:

‏@dewster99 (https://twitter.com/dewster99) 10m (https://twitter.com/dewster99/status/378818447930847232) Any news on whether its murray or marray yet? @BritishTennis (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis)



British Tennis ‏@BritishTennis (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis)
5m (https://twitter.com/BritishTennis/status/378819671065391106) @dewster99 (https://twitter.com/dewster99) Hi Alex, as far as we are aware it will be Murray and Fleming in the doubles but we will let you know if this changes #CROvGB (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CROvGB&src=hash)


... and this from 5Live:

Russell Fuller ‏@russellcfuller (https://twitter.com/russellcfuller) 8m (https://twitter.com/russellcfuller/status/378819368542408704) Andy Murray serving at full tilt in practice & on track to partner Colin Fleming in the Davis Cup doubles pic.twitter.com/akCzVSU2BT (http://t.co/akCzVSU2BT)

[david1610]

It would be good if Colin (who knows Andy so well) would make the decision for him, but I guess that's too much to ask.

That would be best in an ideal world - after all, Colin is a friend of Andy, is more likely to know more details of Andy's condition and will be able to know more about the fit between him and Marray than anyone else!

PS 2 p.m local appears to be 1:00 p.m. UK and Portugal.

[patmoren]

Slight anomaly with credentials as Gavin had done those for the people who had bought their own tickets so they ha 2 lots of seats. Have not seen or heard from Lady Buzz group but OK with everyone else. This is a fabulous location for tennis. Susan( Howd) predictive test won't allow me to complete her name! ! Went on a dinky little train this morning, open carriages and runs on the road, they call it the little dragon, to the town centre, bought some souvenirs, wandered round the marine and looked a a vintage car rally then took the little dragon back to the hotel. Great fun!! Just wwaiting for the doubles now, very tense, I hope Andy is right in his choice, Know he wants us to win but he will need to ignore his back, unlike yesterday when it seemed to be affecting his serve, but it's his body!!!

[Helen40]

How can Johnny possibly prepare mentally for a match when he doesn't know whether he's playing????? Fair enough, don't tell the opposition (good ploy), but I hope they've told Johnny.

[Bardot]

So according to twitter it's confirmed Andy is going to play doubles which, looking at it positively has to be a good sign and that he's feeling ok. His back problem is not going to disappear by resting for a day and doubles is less strenuous and for Andy more immediately enjoyable than playing singles (yesterdays match was a chore) so have to believe he knows best. The fact Dodig is also playing means that they will both have endured the same time on court before tomorrow's singles match.

[Jane]

All the very best of luck to Andy and Colin:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::GBflag:: GBflag:

[Jan]

let's go GB!
:GBflag::GBflag:

[Reef]

I already have the commies on mute due to their negativity..........

[traveller7]

Anyone got a livestream please??

[david1610]

Anyone got a livestream please??
http://www.drakulastream.eu/static/popups/16998304149490.html
Ah yes, Krajan... sat behind him at Estoril when watching Laura (not much chance to name drop so take every chance :wink: )

[david1610]

C'mon Andy and Colin!

[david1610]

Very significantly, Andy hit five out of five first serves there. Did not see the speeds but even if he is taking something off the speed, good strategy! C'mon Colin and Andy!

[harriet]

there are the Oficial Davis Cup scores also, for those without sky

[traveller7]

GBR break 2-0 woop!

[Jan]

:GBsmile:

[david1610]

Needless to say, the hold by Colin and Andy to go 3-0 incredibly important. Now if they could get a double break, that would be wonderful! C'mon Colin and Andy!

[traveller7]

Good play so far from team GB

[Jan]

:GBsmile::GBsmile:

[traveller7]

4-1 :yahoo:

[traveller7]

Andy looks a lot more comfortable out there today :phew:

[Jane]

Wey-hey :yahoo::yahoo: - first set to GB:clap::clap::GBflag::GBflag:

[Jan]

:yahoo::yahoo:
:GBflag::GBflag:

[traveller7]

:yahoo:
my livestream keeps freezing and then skipping points very annoying

[Sallydaisy]

1-1 in the 2nd set ... nice hold from Andy. Going for a break already in the 3rd game with Dodig now at *0-30.
Commies just said about 300 GBR fans there and making their presence felt!!!
Lots of chants I've heard.

*0-40
*30-40 but still a break point to GBR

[Jan]

:GBsmile: kitkat! :GBsmile:

[traveller7]

yay they break come on lads doing so well!

[Sallydaisy]

Oh yeah!!! GBR get the break and it's 2-1 with Fleming to serve next.

[hfwardhouse]

Entertaining match this!

LET'S GO GB LET'S GO!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy holds to keep GBR ahead 4-2 and then there's a sensational rally with amazing play from Andy for FBR to have *0-15.

Now *0-30

[Jan]

this is brilliant!!!

[david1610]

Important hold for 4-2 and this seventh game of the second set is doubles at its most exciting! GB have 3 BPs!

[Jan]

:yahoo::GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Double break!!! One hour gone and Flembo will serve at *5-2 for a 2 set lead for GBR.
:dance:

C'mon!!!

[Jane]

Second set to GB:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::GBflag::GBflag::GBflag:

[Jan]

:yahoo::yahoo::GBflag:

[traveller7]

:GBsmile::GBflag::yahoo:

Well done guys brilliant match keep it going!

[Sallydaisy]

:dance::dance::dance:

2 sets won, just 1 more to go for the rubber!

:GBflag:

[Jan]

kitkat! :GBsmile::GBsmile:

[traveller7]

Just been given a gift of a DF to break in 3rd set

[david1610]

Just need Andy to hold here against the DFs. C'mon Colin and Andy!
Oops 1-1.
Break again. Remove hope. C'mon Colin and Andy!

[traveller7]

Woops GB broken back on serve bit of a bad service game from Andy

[Sallydaisy]

oooo'er, Croatia just broke Andy Murray's serve!!!!!
:faint:

BUT, it's still 2-1 in the 3rd so on serve with Dodig serving.

[Jan]

a break up again! :yahoo:

[david1610]

Break back! Colin in fine form and some classic Andy returning as well.
Safe hold now and it will be looking good!

[Jan]

:phew: well held lads!

[david1610]

Phew! Some crowd issues and the match could have boiled over if Croatia had broken there. All in all, an important hold! C'mon Colin and Andy!

[traveller7]

Rowdy lot
Come on guys almost done!

[traveller7]

Good hold from Muzzah then come on

[Jan]

this is so entertaining!

[Sallydaisy]

Croatia hold. Flembo to serve next at 4-3.

[Jan]

argh broken back

[david1610]

Broken again 4-4
Apart from this match, the last thing Andy wants before tomorrow is to get embroiled in a long best of five set match before the singles tomorrow, especially after being up a break in the third.
Oh well. Focus on holding and take chances. C'mon Colin and Andy!

[traveller7]

Croatia totally in control in this set now at 5-4

[Jan]

come on GB :GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Awww. 4-4 and Pavic is playing very well ...
Croatian crowd going nuts!!!

*40-0 and they hold to love for 5-4 in the 3rd set.

The Brits need to come up with 3 very good games to save Andy being out there for too long this afternoon.

[Jan]

where's the :sofa:?

[Jan]

great serving from Andy!

[Reef]

Tense

[traveller7]

Fleming to serve to keep them in this set

[david1610]

OK. Hold serve and take the tiebreak. Please! C'mon Colin and Andy!