The Billie Jean King Cup - formerly FED CUP. Team GBR. 14/15 April 2023

[lovetennis]

If I have got it right in my previous post a GB tie against other potential opponents would be as follows

Slovakia: GB at home
Netherlands: Think this would be drawn by lots as the last time they played was on neutral ground in Israel
Latvia: Think this would be drawn by lots as the last time they played was on neutral ground in Estonia
Italy: GB away
Spain: Think this would be drawn by lots as the last time they played was on neutral ground in Germany
Japan: GB at home
Russia: Think this would be drawn by lots as the last time they played was on neutral ground in Spain

Of course I could have got this completely wrong :nailbiter:

[lovetennis]

Ah I see how Brazil and Kazakhstan come in to it - winners of the other zonal ties, so adding them in

Brazil: GB at home
Kazakhstan; Lots (never played before)

So at this point 3 chances of a home tie, only 1 definite away tie but lots of potential for it being decided by lots

[Hawkeye]

In reply to all of the previous posts re the next round, after speaking to stats guru Steven in the pub tonight whilst celebrating, the 8 teams involved will be seeded by Fed Cup rankings as of Monday, and the top four teams will play the bottom 4. We are unlikely to be in the top 4. He did say who might be seeded but my Peroni-addled brain has forgotten...

[patlowe]

According to Steven on Twitter, his latest reckoning is quote..." we'd play Japan at home, venue chosen by lot if NED, RUS or SVK."

If it's Japan...with Osaka that would be one hell of a draw!

[themass15]

Is the O2 free??!!!

[lovetennis]

It's like old times.....guess the venue

[lovetennis]

According to Steven on Twitter, his latest reckoning is quote..." we'd play Japan at home, venue chosen by lot if NED, RUS or SVK."

If it's Japan...with Osaka that would be one hell of a draw!

Netherlands is probably do-able if that was an away tie

[cazza99]

Is the O2 free??!!!
You have to pay ;)

[lovetennis]

Daily Mail reckons Copper Box is a likely venue https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-6688593/LTA-target-Londons-Copper-Box-host-Fed-Cup-tie-Jo-Kontas-Great-Britain-team-home-draw.html?fbclid=IwAR3rdbZwYtEwiz8hzO2cwCAHVyXIVwt 8iiaACiUd7RI8S3P1YqyIoj3COAw
But looking on the venue's website they have basketball match scheduled for Sunday 21st April

The article mentions Bolton Arena too

[themass15]

Daily Mail reckons Copper Box is a likely venue https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-6688593/LTA-target-Londons-Copper-Box-host-Fed-Cup-tie-Jo-Kontas-Great-Britain-team-home-draw.html?fbclid=IwAR3rdbZwYtEwiz8hzO2cwCAHVyXIVwt 8iiaACiUd7RI8S3P1YqyIoj3COAw
But looking on the venue's website they have basketball match scheduled for Sunday 21st April

The article mentions Bolton Arena too
I mentioned about Copper Box not being available on the other thread but perhaps that is wrong on their website.

[Sallydaisy]

Fed Cup Rulebook
https://www.fedcup.com/media/299243/299243.pdf

See page 13 for general info regarding ties. For WGPO the host nation has 21 days after the draw to submit information about arrangements.

Also see Appendix F on page 70.
MinimumSeatingCapacityMinimum spectator capacity of 4,000 seats(exceptions may be made for World Group and World Group II First Round and Play-off Ties).

[suttontennis]

couldn't be a harder draw IMO. Kazakhstan at home.

[themass15]

Yes they have a couple of good players but being a home tie ….. Croatia didn't produce in Bath

[cazza99]

BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/47211485) - Fed Cup: Great Britain to face Kazakhstan in play-offs

[Hawkeye]

Still waiting for that venue announcement, bizarre as we all know where it's going to be...

[lovetennis]

Still waiting for that venue announcement, bizarre as we all know where it's going to be...

I'm presuming they're still signing contracts etc for the venue. Annoying though as I want to get my train travel booked

[Stell]

I lost my extra free nights for my July holiday, yesterday, because the LTA can't be bothered to announce anything. I think there are about seven weeks to go until Easter.

[lovetennis]

I lost my extra free nights for my July holiday, yesterday, because the LTA can't be bothered to announce anything. I think there are about seven weeks to go until Easter.

I'm sure it's a case of all the legalities being in place that's causing the delay Stell. They won't announce anything until the ink is dry on the contracts with the venue and local planning/council regulations have been approved. It is annoying though

[themass15]

The LTA told me it is 'unofficially' the Copper Box and confirmation of this should be confirmed either this week or next. In any event I believe the venue needs to be announced by 5 March. Good news indeed for all those that live in the London area.

[Hawkeye]

The Kazakhstan tie will be streamed live on the LTA Facebook page, as well as BT Sport.

[themass15]

Won't need to worry about the TV as looking forward to being at the tie.

[Hawkeye]

Same team as the Bath ties, including Heather Watson.

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/56558604_2462970200382761_1826354024224391168_n.jp g?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=63356b41006d08b690874a831ee60f3b&oe=5D3F4C13

[Hawkeye]

Katie Swan is replaced in the doubles by Heather Watson, Konta and Boulter in the singles.

Up first for GB on Saturday Johanna Konta takes on Diyas followed by Katie Boulter vs Putintseva. Heather Watson & Harriet Dart will face Danilina & Voskoboeva on Sunday.

[Teresa]

Katie Swan is replaced in the doubles by Heather Watson, Konta and Boulter in the singles.

Great. I have wanted to see Heather play.

[Alis]

Heather is a great doubles player. Is she first choice with Harriet or is Katie injured?

[patlowe]

Phew! Jo had to fight hard to hold on there! She seems to have her work cut out for her. Come on GB. :GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Kazakhstan made all the running early on, Jo fought back from 1-5 but Diyas takes first 6-4, come on! konta bounces back to take 2nd 6-3, good stuff! Fairly comfortable in the end as GB take decider 6-2 to go up 1-0, well done Johanna!

[patlowe]

:GBflag::GBflag::GBflag: Well done Jo! A bit of a roller coaster but compelling all the same. I had to end up listening to radio commentary as LTA stream a bit unstable. At the same time as Jo won, Foggy beat Nadal in MC!

[patlowe]

Wey-hey Katie Boulter! Great start! :GBflag::GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Katie was certainly impressive in 1st,however not quite so strong in 2nd and tuned after the early break with the tricky Putinseva taking it 6-2. However hopefully an come back fighting oin the decider.

[exislander]

Wow, so close and so tense !

[patlowe]

What a match! Poor Katie...to be so close. She played very well and I hope she is proud of herself.

[JAMES4578]

Pity Katie could not quite capitalise on her chances in 3rd but certainly tight in the end,still in circumstances a good effort. Putinseva had some great shots in the closing stages.

[Alis]

Poor Katie - what a shame!

[Hawkeye]

Too many UEs and Johanna loses the first set 6-4.

[JAMES4578]

Going to have the take the longer route again, come on Johanna! Putintseva might have had a issue but far better from Konta in the 2nd as she takes it 6-2-hopefully starts well in the decider! Broken early in 3rd and went downhill after time violation ,however has come back from 1-4 to 3-4! Putintseva served for match but faltered as Jo rose, now 5 all-let's go!

[patlowe]

Fantastic. Johanna. Conta!! What a come back. Takes the pressure off Katie. What drama. :GBflag::GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous fightback from Johanna to win 7-5 in 3rd,some amazing shots in the end!:cheer::cheer::cheer: Pretty dramatic though she made it tougher in a sense, still it's the W that counts and she earned it. Hopefully Katie Boulter can get the win for Gb now ,without it going down to the doubles.

[RosieBear]

Greetings James and Pat from the Copper Box. Wish you guys were here. Fun and dramatic match! Hope Katie can seal the deal now. Let's go GB, let's goooooo! :GBflag::GBflag::cheer::cheer:

[patlowe]

Nobody wishes more than I that I could be there! But great event! Enjoy. You are all doing a great job. I see Dan is there too! #make noise!

[JAMES4578]

Bit of a one sided breaker goes to Diyas unfortunately, Katie setting the early pace but was countered somewhat as longer rallies developed. come on! Boulter was a break down in 2nd but storms backs to take 2nd 6-4,aided by double from Diyas at end. Let's have strong start in 3rd! Katie turning it on and now double break up at 5-1-won't tempt fate but surely in strong position!

[JAMES4578]

Katie gets the win as Gb take tie and gain promotion, fabulous! Some great performances all round :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[exislander]

Yes!

[patlowe]

Wey hey! This is unreal!! Well done Katie! She will feel so much better now! What a wonderful tie this has been. Such drama. Those fans who could go were well rewarded. Brilliant! :GBflag::GBflag::GBflag:

[patlowe]

Lovely shot of Glenys and Sally as Anne was being interviewed! Well done guys!!

[suttontennis]

A star is born. Step forward KB and use this as a springboard to move on up the rankings.

[Hawkeye]

Fed Cup - GB to be seeded for next year's qualifiers

https://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/international-events/fed-cup/fed-cup-news/2019/fed-cup-great-britain-to-be-seeded-for-qualifiers

[Stell]

I've been told that the draw is next Wednesday. Does anyone know what time it'll happen?

[Stell]

Sorry, didn't read the bottom bit from Hawkeye.

[Stell]

I'm looking forward to the draw, this afternoon.

[Stell]

If we get an away tie to Canada, I think I might not be able to go. As I couldn't go to the Davis Cup tie, as it was too expensive for me.

[themass15]

Hoping for a home tie!

[Hawkeye]

Draw live here (https://www.fedcup.com/en/news/309942.aspx) at 1pm BST.

[Stell]

An away tie to Slovakia.

[Hawkeye]

USA host Latvia
Netherlands host Belarus
Romania host Russia
Brazil host Germany
Spain host Japan
Switzerland host Canada
Belgium host Kazakhstan
Slovakia host GB...

[Stell]

When do they have to announce the venue?

[Hawkeye]

Team Slovakia - https://www.fedcup.com/en/teams/team.aspx?id=SVK

[Stell]

Jo Konta has ruled herself out of playing it this year: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51146011.

[Hawkeye]

If Katie Boulter pulls out too there's no way we'll be qualifying for the new format finals... Not that that's necessarily a bad thing!

[suttontennis]

If Katie Boulter pulls out too there's no way we'll be qualifying for the new format finals... Not that that's necessarily a bad thing!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/51265917

[Hawkeye]

Och well, neither team looks particularly strong. I'm sure those AMFFers going will still have a great time!

[Sallydaisy]

How to watch the Fed Cup action outwith being in Bratislava.


#FedCup (https://twitter.com/hashtag/FedCup?src=hashtag_click) Qualifier in Slovakia, starting next Friday, will be broadcast live on BBC TV via the red button. It will also be streamed on the @BBCSport (https://twitter.com/BBCSport) & @the_LTA (https://twitter.com/the_LTA) websites.
From Andy Schooler on Twitter.

[Stell]

I wish they were showing it on my Red Button, as I looked to find what time they're showing it and all I got was they're showing Winterwatch Magic all day.

[Hawkeye]

1463

[Hawkeye]

Slovaks have fielded a strong team, it’s going to be a tough couple of days.

https://www.fedcup.com/en/draws-results/tie.aspx?id=W-FC-2020-QLS-M-GBR-SVK-01

https://www.fedcup.com/en/news/315085.aspx

[Hawkeye]

First set was closer than the score suggests, but Schmeidlova wins the first rubber 6-2 6-3.

[Jan]

Managed to watch bits and pieces of the match while travelling, but underground for most of the time. Go Harriet!

[JAMES4578]

Did not have high expectations, still a bit disappointing though. Hopefully more joy for Harriet in the 2nd rubber -come on!

[Hawkeye]

That's more like it! Harriet takes the first set 7-6.

[Sallydaisy]

Having to do crossword on and off to calm nerves!
:nailbiter:

Harriet really fighting hard but couldn't quite break in game 6 and has just been broken. Kuzmova hoping to level it up.

[Hawkeye]

Kuzmova breaks again to clinch the set, so will serve first in the decider.

[Sallydaisy]

Rats. Harriet lost the plot there, looked a bit tired. Fingers crossed she can regroup for the 3rd set.
:GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

After run of games against her Harriet finally holds for 1-3, hopefully can stay in the hunt. Breaks for first time and 2-3! Kuzmova served for it at 5-3 but another break- come on!

[Jane]

A real nail-biter - 5-5 - come on Harriet.:thumbup::thumbup::GBflag::GBflag:

[patlowe]

What a great fight from Harriet! Kuzmova was made to work very very hard. Take a bow Harriet.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly great effort but unfortunately Harriet falls short as Kuzmova takes it 7-5. Will be uphill battle.

[Hawkeye]

Both of them were so tight on serve by the end, it was always going to end that way.

[Jan]

Some of Harriet's play was brilliant.

[Stell]

I thought Harriet played way above her ranking and it was a shame about her losing.

[Jane]

Heather has just won her match...6-0, 7-5...well done:cheer::cheer::cheer::GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Good win, well done Heather!:cheer::cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Unfortunately Harriet loses tight first to Schmiedlova 7-5, however hopefully still all to play for.

[patlowe]

Aw. Shame. Another brave effort from Harriet. And really well done to the supporters. You all did a great job. :clap::clap:

[lynne]

Awe bless Harriett, so upset, she tried her hardest, but not to be for Team GB, but still it's a young team, onwards & upwards Team GB,must admit enjoy watching Harriet :GBflag:

[Alis]

Harriet fought well but it wasn't to be. Well played, girls! :GBflag::clap:

[JAMES4578]

Yes Harriet fought throughout but in general did not make the most of the big points, failing to capitalise on 0-40 at 4-2 was a bit frustrating. Still good effort in the matches. Think knew from the start it would be tough away on clay for the team without Johanna Konta. Hopefuly goes to plan in the April play off to reach the qualifiers next year.

[Stell]

Anne Keothavong did claim they'd missed Jo Konta. Anne will be having another conversation with Jo to remind her what she (Jo) did last year.

[Hawkeye]

Mexico tie postponed...

https://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/international-events/fed-cup/fed-cup-news/2020/fed-cup-britains-tie-with-mexico-postponed

[Stell]

Not surprised, as they did seem to be taking their time over the venue.

[Hawkeye]

Postponed until next year along with DC.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/53192768

Mexico may well be my 50th birthday present to myself.

[Hawkeye]

Fed Cup gets a rebrand.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/54190849

[Sallydaisy]

Thanks, have edited thread title.

[Sallydaisy]

WOWZA!!!
We're hosting the GBR v Mexico tie here in the UK in February!!!
:GBflag:

David Law@DavidLawTennis (https://twitter.com/DavidLawTennis)5m (https://twitter.com/DavidLawTennis/status/1327297483102429185)
Britain will host the Billie Jean King Cup match between GB and Mexico in February.
The ITF have announced that it is moving over from Mexico as a result of delays from the Presidential election within the Mexican Tennis Federation. Big win for Britain, that.

The actual tie is on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th February 2021.
No idea yet where it'll be held or if there'll be any fans allowed (Covid).

[Hawkeye]

So no big birthday Mexico trip for me...

And will there even be fans allowed?

[Stell]

Brilliant news. I hope we can be there. The last two, played here, were in Bath and London.

[goldfish]

So much fun in Bath & London. Hope we can go again as a group. Would be something special to look forward to.

[Hawkeye]

I imagine that, even if fans can't attend the event itself, we could at least do something...

[RosieBear]

Wow, what a fantastic bonus! As Hawkeye said there will some way to enjoy it together even if the matches are beind closed doors. Count me in!

[Stell]

It's looking promising for us to to be there, wherever it'll be played, as there is a potential third vaccine. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Stell]

Fans will be allowed into stadiums/arenas, in a limited capacity, if the venue is in Tier One. Still hoping for us.

[Stell]

When will they announce the venue?

[Hawkeye]

It's looking increasingly likely that the venue won't matter as it will be played behind closed doors.

[Stell]

I can only presume that it'll be shown on something like Amazon Prime.

[Sallydaisy]

Good news (per Tennis on Telly, Twitter): The BBC plan to have coverage of Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie with Mexico in February.

[Stell]

Brilliant news, but I wish we could all be there to cheer on our team.

[patmoren]

This competition has always been more difficult to follow than the Davis Cup.

[Sallydaisy]

Good news (per Tennis on Telly, Twitter): The BBC plan to have coverage of Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie with Mexico in February.
Take note ... the Australian Open will now start on 8th February.
This could affect the timing of the BJK aka Fed Cup events on 5/6th February since many players will need to arrive in Melbourne from 1st February to allow time for practice sessions, Covid testing etc etc. It's probable that many other planned events on the ATP and WTA tours will need to be re-scheduled to accommodate the first Grand Slam of 2021.

As an aside, and IMHO, I think the AO Grand Slam needs to stay in February when it's likely to be cooler and the Oz children are on half-term so can go to watch lots of tennis!
This last sentence is of course nonsense - see further post below!

[exislander]

Take note ... the Australian Open will now start on 8th February.
This could affect the timing of the BJK aka Fed Cup events on 5/6th February since many players will need to arrive in Melbourne from 1st February to allow time for practice sessions, Covid testing etc etc. It's probable that many other planned events on the ATP and WTA tours will need to be re-scheduled to accommodate the first Grand Slam of 2021.

As an aside, and IMHO, I think the AO Grand Slam needs to stay in February when it's likely to be cooler and the Oz children are on half-term so can go to watch lots of tennis!

Do the schools have a break so soon after their summer hols in January?

[Sallydaisy]

Do the schools have a break so soon after their summer hols in January?
erm, nope ... it seems they don't have half-terms at all ... they have an extra 'break' of 2 weeks instead.
:shamed::doh::taz:

I was forgetting their seasons are so different and so actually having the AO on original dates meant that schoolchildren could go in January!!!
Their terms are:
Summer 19/12/20 - Tue 26/1/21
Autumn (Easter ...) 3-18th April 2021
Winter 26 June to 11 July 2021
Spring 18th Sept to 3rd Oct 2021.

I think I read somewhere - written by a tennis journo who was musing on the extreme heat at the AO 2020 - that perhaps they should move it to April when the weather would be more bearable for the players (and the children would be holiday).

[Stell]

My Australian cousin once told me that her grandchildren have six weeks off during the Christmas and New Year periods. A bit like the children over here, but in reverse.

[Stell]

I read about this yesterday and I thought someone else might have read it before me: http://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/international-events/fed-cup/fed-cup-news/2020/billie-jean-king-cup-by-bnp-paribas-play-offs-move-to-april/

[exislander]

Anne Keothavong, MBE in New Year's Honours.

[JAMES4578]

Good for Anne,well done!

[Teresa]

Sam Querry being a prat.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-9114511/US-tennis-star-flew-straight-London-despite-testing-Covid-19-positive.html

[Hawkeye]

Mexico tie to be held at the NTC, almost certainly behind closed doors.

https://www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/international-events/fed-cup/fed-cup-news/2021/national-tennis-centre-to-host-billie-jean-king-cup-by-bnp-paribas-play-off-tie/

No surprise really.

[Stell]

Will the BBC still show it? They were going to show it this week, before it got cancelled.

[Sallydaisy]

From Eleanor Crookes on Twitter:
Perhaps no surprise but Johanna Konta won't be part of the GB team for the Billie Jean King Cup play-off next month. Says her knee needs time to adjust to playing on clay.
@EleanorcrooksPA


(https://mobile.twitter.com/EleanorcrooksPA)

[Hawkeye]

We really shouldn't need her against Mexico.

[Sallydaisy]

Update from Tennis on Telly (https://twitter.com/tennisontelly):

Looks like Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie with Mexico on 16-17 April will have BBC online coverage only, as it's not scheduled on any of their linear channels.
It's being held at the National Tennis Centre without spectators.

[Stell]

That's typical, as I did ask the BBC about their coverage and Alastair from the BBC Enquiries team sent a reply saying they'd got no details on the BBC actually showing it.

[Sallydaisy]

Team announced by the LTA:
Heather Watson
Harriet Dart
Katie Swan
Jodie Burrage
Katie Boulter

Great Britain's face Mexico at the Billie Jean King Cup next week, 16-17 April at the NTC.
No fan presence, televised by BBC online.

[suttontennis]

Mexico team nominations
Marcela Zacarias - ranking 285, record 14-2(doubles 204) record 2-5, Guiliana Olmos - ranking 432, 6-6 (doubles 49, 7-5), Fernanda Contreras Gomez (477, 5-1 /464, 4-1), Julia Garcia - no ranking, no record.
So a team that knows how to win matches and came through the group 1 playoff in Chile last February.

[Stell]

I've read it'll start at 2pm (14.00pm) on Friday and then from noon on Saturday. My dad will be having his second vaccine, on Saturday, and I've got to go with him because of his Alzheimer's disease. So, I will have to miss some of it.

[Hawkeye]

The first match will take place on Friday April 16 at 14:00 UK time.
On Saturday 17 April the first singles match will start 30 minutes earlier then planned, at 11.30 UK time, to make sure players can observe the national minute’s silence at 15:00.

Coverage of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie against Mexico will be broadcast live on the LTA’s website and YouTube channel.

No mention of any BBC online coverage...

[Stell]

I've read that no sport will be allowed to be played between 3pm (15.00pm) and 4.15pm (16.15pm) on Saturday.

[Sallydaisy]

Katie Boulter to start the GB campaign against Mexico, per Steven on Twitter.
BJK Cup GBR v MEX day 1:@katiecboulter (https://mobile.twitter.com/katiecboulter)
will start the tie against Marcela ZacarÃ*as MEX WR 285 (CH 181 in 2015) then @HeatherWatson92 (https://mobile.twitter.com/HeatherWatson92)
will play Giuliana Olmos WR 434 (CH 343 in 2019)

[Hawkeye]

So, the Beeb are definitely covering it...

Watch live coverage on BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website & app (Friday 14:00-18:00 BST; Saturday 11:30-1500 and 16:15-19:00)

[Hawkeye]

Oh, and TikTok, which I'm sure is the medium we will all choose...

[Stell]

Yeah!!! Many thanks for that, Hawkeye, as I didn't really want to watch it on my laptop.

[Hawkeye]

Breaks galore so far, but Katie Boulter up 5-4* in the first set. They are very similarly ranked, although of course Katie has been much higher, but the Mexican is plainly no mug.

[Hawkeye]

Boults breaks to take the first set 7-5! :GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Katie now up 3-0 in 2nd, keep it going!

[Hawkeye]

Now 5-0*, Zacarias obviously threw everything at that first set.

[Jane]

Boulter wins the match 7-5, 6-0 well done. :yahoo: :yahoo: :GBflag:

[Hawkeye]

Katie takes it 7-5 6-0 on her third match point.

[Hawkeye]

Players on court for the second rubber.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly straightforward in 2nd, well done Katie!

[Hawkeye]

Heather 5-4* up in the first. She was up an early break but couldn't keep it.

[Hawkeye]

And now 6-5*.

[Hawkeye]

Another tight first set with the same result, Heather takes it 7-5.

[JAMES4578]

Hopefullly Heather now with uper hand, come on!

[Hawkeye]

Similarly to Katie, Heather has raced to a *5-1 lead in the second set.

[Hawkeye]

Heather wraps it up, looking good for a February qualifier.

[JAMES4578]

Heather gets the win 7-5,6-1-well done!:cheer::cheer: Both matches following similar pattern.

[Jan]

Well done ladies :clap::clap::GBflag:

[Stell]

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I should think that Heather will win it in straight sets.

[Stell]

A bit disappointed that the Red Button won't be showing at least some of Heather Watson's match. They're showing snooker instead.

[Jane]

You can get it on the BBC website.

[Hawkeye]

7 games played, 5 breaks of serve. Nervy stuff so far. Heather trails 3-4*.

[Hawkeye]

4-3 quickly became 5-3 and 6-3. Mexico win their fist set of the tie.

[Stell]

Thanks for that, Jane. I've now got to take my dad for his second vaccine. When I come back, hopefully, Heather would have turned the match around.

[Stell]

Arrived back to find it 2 - 2 in the second set. Come on Heather!!

[Hawkeye]

Heather a break up at 5-3*, so at worst will serve for the set.

[Hawkeye]

And indeed she is about to try and do so.

[Hawkeye]

And fails to do so... 5-5.

[JAMES4578]

Disappointing, now Heather needs to hold serve to stay in it-come on!

[Stell]

Tie break.

[Hawkeye]

Second set tie break.

[Hawkeye]

0-1* Heather starts with a min-break.
1-1* Zacarias breaks straight back.
*2-1 a backhand error from Heather.
*3-1 Heather goes long.
4-1* This is getting away fast...
5-1* Yet another error.
*6-1 a great lob and 5 match points..
7-1.

Katie Boulter v. Olmos due to start at 4.15pm.

[JAMES4578]

Poor breaker and a bit frustrating from Heather, hopefully Katie fares better.

[Stell]

Wrong result. I had Heather winning that one.

[Hawkeye]

Players on court.

[Hawkeye]

The Mexican broke early, but from mid-set Katie has taken over and takes it 6-4.

[JAMES4578]

Katie needs to keep the momentum going, come on! Going well thus far as she is up 3-0 in 2nd.

[Hawkeye]

Katie on top of the second set, a double break up at *3-0.

[Hawkeye]

Katie wins the rubber, and therefore the tie, 6-4 6-1.

:GBflag::GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Well done Katie Boulter, and the team for that win.
Something to look forward to next February ...

[Stell]

Certainly looking forward to next February and, hopefully, we'll be there to cheer our team on.

[Hawkeye]

Do we simply play the winner of one of the other ties in progress over the last 2 days?

[JAMES4578]

Well done to Katie and all the team for the win, got there in the end!:clap::clap:

[Hawkeye]

Do we simply play the winner of one of the other ties in progress over the last 2 days?
I'm gonna assume that we do...

Other winners so far mostly make good reading from a travel point of view...

Poland
Canada
Latvia
Ukraine
Italy
Netherlands

The only tie not finished is Argentina v. Kazakhstan, neither great travel-wise... Yulia Putuntseva just served for the tie but was broken and is into a second set TB, having won a first set TB. Kazakhstan lead 2-1 overall.

[Hawkeye]

Now 2-2 as Putintseva retires, so it will be settled in the doubles.

[Hawkeye]

Kazakhs in the driving seat, take the first set 6-0.

[Hawkeye]

I'm gonna assume that we do...

Other winners so far mostly make good reading from a travel point of view...

Poland
Canada
Latvia
Ukraine
Italy
Netherlands

The only tie not finished is Argentina v. Kazakhstan, neither great travel-wise... Yulia Putuntseva just served for the tie but was broken and is into a second set TB, having won a first set TB. Kazakhstan lead 2-1 overall.
Actually, I guess that there will be 8 more teams dropping from the World Group too. Kazakhstan can be officially added to the list.

[Sallydaisy]

Actually, I guess that there will be 8 more teams dropping from the World Group too. Kazakhstan can be officially added to the list.
Won't some of them be seeded? If so that'll have an effect on our placing in the draws and pool of opponents.

[Sallydaisy]

This was retweeted by Steven:-

Potential opponents for @GBtennis (https://mobile.twitter.com/GBtennis) in Feb's #BJKCup (https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/BJKCup?src=hashtag_click) Qualifiers (winners to 2022 Finals):

POL/BRA
CAN
LVA
UKR
ROM/ITA
ARG/KAZ
NED/CHN

and teams finishing 3rd-12th in 2021 Finals:
so 10 of FRA, RUS, HUN, AUS, BLR, BEL, USA, ESP, SVK, CZE, GER, SUI

Only 16 of those 18 teams can be in the Qualifiers.
2 will get Finals wild cards - Hungary as hosts will be one (unless they reach 2021 final and qualify by right).
GB could be the other but unlikely.
Qualifiers draw seeded via #BJKCup (https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/BJKCup?src=hashtag_click) rankings.
GB unlikely to be seeded.

[Sallydaisy]

Update from Steven on Twitter (https://twitter.com/GBtennis) (but GB still unlikely to be seeded)

It's not completely out of the question that GB could be seeded for next year's qualifiers (depends on points dropping off later in the year, what happens in this year's finals, who gets next year's WCs, etc), but it's still more likely that they won't be

After beating Mexico, Great Britain move up 1 place to 13 in the new #BJKCup (https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKCup?src=hashtag_click) rankings (overtaking Switzerland and Belgium but leapfrogged by Canada).
https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/rankings/current-rankings.aspx

[Hawkeye]

Blimey...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/56984954

[suttontennis]

Blimey...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/56984954

Surely the UK, given how much further forward we are with immunisation and falling infection rates, would be an ideal location for the event.

[Sallydaisy]

Surely the UK, given how much further forward we are with immunisation and falling infection rates, would be an ideal location for the event.

There's a space in Docklands that used to host a very big ATP tennis tournament every November - might be useful???
;)

[Sallydaisy]

Good news!
(from Chris Clarey on Twitter)


The Billie Jean King Cup finals, formerly known as the Fed Cup, will be held this year. Prague has stepped in for Budapest. The 12-team finals will be held Nov. 1-6 on indoor hard courts in the O2 Arena (Prague).

Cancelled in 2020 and postponed in 2021, this is the first year of the new format (and new name) for the premier women’s team tennis competition. France won the last edition in 2019, beating Australia on the road.
With Hungary no longer hosting the finals, its team has been replaced by Canada in the 16-team field.
Group A Canada France Russia
Group B Australia, Belarus, Belgium
Group C Spain, Slovakia, USA
Group D Czech Rep, Germany, Switzerland

Sadly Great Britain isn't in the mix ...
:sad:

Covid entry conditions still prevail - see below from the website.
https://www.o2arena.cz/en/

CURRENT ENTRY CONDITIONS AT O2 ARENA
To enter the venue, you will need to prove yourself in person with one of the following documents:
- National vaccination certificate of Covid-19
- Laboratory confirmation with evidence of Covid illness in the past 180 days
- Confirmation from the health service provider of a negative result of the PCR test – not older than 7 days before entry
- Confirmation from the health service provider of a negative result of the antigen test – not older than 72 hours before entry

[Sallydaisy]

Bad news for UK fans of the BJK Cup:

Lee S@underarm_ace· (https://twitter.com/underarm_ace)32m (https://twitter.com/underarm_ace/status/1454124592612663297)
I've been told Tennis Channel Intl, who will be showing the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, couldn't agree a deal to extend this to the UK where they recently launched. The only way to watch will be via the BJK Cup website, costing €7.99

[suttontennis]

Draw to take place on 6th for qualifiers
https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/finals/news/321750.aspx

[Sallydaisy]

Here's the seeds and non-seeds ...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDdtP74WQAI4Oug?format=jpg&name=medium

[Stell]

We've got an away tie to the Czech Republic.

[Hawkeye]

Hopefully in Prague, I've never been!

[suttontennis]

Hopefully not Ostrava. Anyone else go to the Davis Cup tie in 2000. Not the most picturesque of places. Beaten 4-1, Jiri Novak on top form for them.

[banskogirl]

Hopefully in Prague, I've never been!

Great city, lovely Michal Negrin shop!

[Sallydaisy]

Great Britain will play their Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round against the Czech Republic, on 15-16 April, on outdoor clay courts at the I. Cesky Lawn Tennis Klub Praha in Prague, venue of the 1986 Fed Cup.

[Hawkeye]

Finally! Prague here I come!

[Sallydaisy]

Stu Fraser on Twitter (https://twitter.com/stu_fraser)
LTA bidding to host the BJK Cup Finals .....

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals could be coming to Great Britain. At a time when the Emma Raducanu effect is clear, the LTA is considering a bid worth more than £10m to host the latter stages of the world's largest annual team competition in women's sport.
The full article is on The Times website which is behind a paywall.

[Hawkeye]

Squad announced.

https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/billie-jean-king-cup/news/gb-squad-confirmed-to-face-czech-republic-in-qualifiers/

[themass15]

Squad announced.

https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/billie-jean-king-cup/news/gb-squad-confirmed-to-face-czech-republic-in-qualifiers/

Do hope the finals will be in the UK

[Stell]

Good to know the BBC will be showing it.

[Stell]

When I looked at the Red Button, it said, it'll be showing the first match from 11am on Friday. But, on Saturday, it'll be showing Final Score. I thought it was typical, as I would have liked to watched it on the Red Button from 1.45pm.

[cazza99]

It is on 15-16 April.

[Hawkeye]

Don't see it listed for Saturday. The snooker starts and takes over.

[suttontennis]

https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/325980.aspx
Siniakova not playing. Probably means Martincova or Muchova will play singles alongside Vondrousova. One of the three will play the doubles with Bouzkova.
GB need to be at their VERY best to get anything out of the tie

[exislander]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61063280
It will be Raducanu vs Martincova tomorrow after Dart vs Vondrousova.

[Hawkeye]

Let’s go GB, let’s go! :GBflag:

[themass15]

Coverage on the BBC as follows:-

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/61063280

[Hawkeye]

Given that Harriet should have been 2-0 up, that went south fast.

[suttontennis]

Given that Harriet should have been 2-0 up, that went south fast.

Very fast. Wonder why Harriet was chose, as she looks very uncomfortable moving on clay

[RosieBear]

Oooft, poor Harriet, was always going to be tough but was total annihilation :sofa: Hope Emma can fare better

[JAMES4578]

Certainly very disappointing,a challenge but such a drubbing. Hopefully Emma will be more comfortable.

[Hawkeye]

The drop shots must have been something they saw and worked on.

[Jane]

Emma takes the first set 7-5 :thumbup: :GBflag:

[Hawkeye]

Double break down in the second, looks like we are going to a decider.

[JAMES4578]

Emma fought back well to win the 1st,was 4-1 down in 2nd but now 4 all - come on!

[exislander]

Yes, Emma -no decider needed!

[Jane]

Emma wins 7-5, 7-5 Very well done :GBflag: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[JAMES4578]

A gutsy display from Emma and done well to take it in straights-well done!

[RosieBear]

Fabulous Emma! Great to level the tie, and just what she needed to regain confidence after some tough losses. Maybe the team event giving her a little bit extra in tight moments which she can use going forward. Mighty impressive clay and BJK debut. She must be thrilled, and I'm thrilled for her. :bravo: Em!

[Sallydaisy]

Hello Hawkeye!!!
:thumbup:

https://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7https://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2022/4/15/ab00cbec-4c15-42f2-8adf-8b6478e71d1e.jpg

[Hawkeye]

Best seen at a distance...

[Stell]

I thought it was brilliant about Emma fighting back in the second set to level the tie.

[Stell]

I'm looking forward to the first match, tomorrow, which the Red Button will be showing at 10.30am.

[Hawkeye]

Emma loses the first set even quicker than Harriet did yesterday... And has now taken a MTO.

[Hawkeye]

Emma can barely move, and loses 1 and 1.

No idea who is playing the 4th rubber, all 3 remaining players are courtside.

[Hawkeye]

It's the Czechs who pull a switch, teen sensation Linda Fruhvirtova will face Harriet Dart.

[Stell]

Disappointed about Emma, but a good start by Harriet as she leads 2 - 0 in the first set.

[Stell]

3 -0.

[Stell]

4 - 0.

[Stell]

Linda Fruhvirtova is certainly getting a lot experience, as Harriet now leads 5 - 0.

[Stell]

YEAH!! Harriet Dart wins the first set in a one sided match.

[Stell]

"Sensational" says the commentator as Harriet breaks Fruhvirtova's serve at the start of the second set.

[Stell]

Harriet now running away with the second set at 3 - 0.

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova wins her first game.

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova wins her second game.

[Stell]

Harriet Dart gets her sixth break and is now one game away from winning the match.

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova breaks Harriet's serve.

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova saves two match points to hold on to her serve.

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova holds on to make it 5 - 5.

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova wins to take the lead. Come on Harriet!!!

[Stell]

Fruhvirtova continues to play way above her ranking of 170 as she wins the second set.

[Hawkeye]

Don't know what to say. This will be much worse to lose than yesterday's.

[suttontennis]

Fruhvirtova continues to play way above her ranking of 170 as she wins the second set.

Dart's serving and ground shots have lost depth allowing the Czech girl to take advantage.

[Stell]

Harriet saves four break points to make it 2 - 0.

[Sallydaisy]

Well done Harriet, now 3-0 up! Keep holding serve!

[Stell]

Harriet now winning 4 - 0.

[Stell]

Harriet now one game away from victory.

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo:

Well done Harriet, 2-2 and it's down to the Doubles to decide it.

[Stell]

Yeah!!

[Hawkeye]

They've saved their number 2 for the doubles I guess? Remains to be seen what we'll do, although Emma and Harriet both plainly carrying injuries.

[Hawkeye]

Nope, Muchova/Vondrousova will play Dart/Swan.

[Stell]

Who'll win the doubles Vondrousova and Muchova or Dart and Swan?

[JAMES4578]

Harriet got there eventually, pity Emma was hampered but would have been tough anyway. Harriet and Katie currently double break down at 5-1, looks like this is a tough challenge. Need to come up with something special now,Vondrousova and Muchova up 6-1,4-2.

[Stell]

4 - 4 in the second set.

[Stell]

5 - 5

[Sallydaisy]

Over and out. What a shame after the fightbacks in the singles.
Hum ho.
:sad: