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

[Stell]

I wonder who we'll get in the play off.

[JAMES4578]

Extended the 2nd but unfortunately could not make it count, however at least took it to the decider. Vondrousova hard to handle this tie.

[patmoren]

They made a great effort. It is a shame it was on clay, that neutralised some of our assets. Emma will have learnt a lot from this. The only tie that went to the wire.

[suttontennis]

Think GB can take a lot of positives from this defeat. A virtually new team, all performed well on a normally difficult surface for GB. Harriet especially bounced back well from Friday. We could do with a stronger doubles pair if we are to compete at a higher level, Swann & Dart are very similar in styles and strengths so we could use a specialist doubles player in the team. But all in all there is plenty of optimism going forward.

[Hawkeye]

I wonder who we'll get in the play off.
The LTA are hoping we get awarded the Finals so that we don’t have to play a play-off. The almost unanimous opinion amongst the fans last night was that we’d rather have the play-off so that we get another proper tie.

[Stell]

I did read about that, Hawkeye, and then thought that if we did get the Finals was it worth it? But, I thought they should have announced the venue beforehand. I'm really hoping that we'll get it as I do miss the ATP Finals in Greenwich and that was a sell out every year.

[themass15]

I did read about that, Hawkeye, and then thought that if we did get the Finals was it worth it? But, I thought they should have announced the venue beforehand. I'm really hoping that we'll get it as I do miss the ATP Finals in Greenwich and that was a sell out every year.

Agreed

[goldfish]

Yes, we get the BJK finals in Glasgow in November - revealed by Annie K on BBC Breakfast

[Stell]

Yeah!!!

[Hawkeye]

Probably just as well, between my football team qualifying for Europe and my NFL team coming to London, the travel pot was starting to get a little stretched...

[WimbledonWestie]

Yes, we get the BJK finals in Glasgow in November - revealed by Annie K on BBC Breakfast

Brilliant!

[exislander]

Groups announced.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/62089897

[DanW]

Does anyone know when tickets become available?

[WimbledonWestie]

Next week- I had an email today from LTA saying watch my inbox for pre sale from Monday

[Sallydaisy]

Does anyone from AMFF wish to go?
If so we can get group tickets through the LTA.

[WimbledonWestie]

Does anyone from AMFF wish to go?
If so we can get group tickets through the LTA.

Possibly - will need to see what prices are like come Monday. However I can only go Sat/Sun which wd be semis/ final so not able to sign up to specific GB ties.

[Rosalind]

I really enjoyed my last trip to this in Stratford but think I won't be going this time.

[goldfish]

Would have loved to go but having just been to the DC in Glasgow, it’s an expense too far.

[WimbledonWestie]

Hi Sally - looking at Semis/ possibly also final but assume forum tix wd be for GB ties through the week?

[andyfer]

Hi Sally
I would be interested in going on one of the weekend days.

[Teresa]

I really enjoyed Bath and Stratford, but November is too soon for me. Having my next knee replacement next week.

[DanW]

I think we are just going for Saturday or Sunday or both and can't make the earlier sessions.

[Caro]

I really enjoyed Stratford, but having just been to DC for 5 nights, will have to give this one a miss :sad:

[exislander]

Four players named today for the team - Emma, Harriet, Heather and Katie B with a fifth to come later.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/63200402

[clancy]

I thought Emma had closed her season with an injury?

[Sallydaisy]

I thought Emma had closed her season with an injury?
Russell Fuller posted this on Twitter (https://twitter.com/russellcfuller):

Raducanu will play assuming that wrist heals in the next four weeks. Anne Keothavong will add one more player in the coming weeks - Katie Swan in pole position after winning on the ITF Tour in Slovakia yesterday, but Jodie Burrage is also in the mix

[exislander]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/63433840

Disappointing news for Emma but Katie S and Jodie could both be in now?

[suttontennis]

Good to see Gauff making the trip from Texas, unlike some. She is a big draw for the event.

[cazza99]

GB vs Kasakstan is at 4.00 pm. On BBC online.

It looks like BT Sport is covering all or most of the Billie Jean Cup. BBC just covering GB ties and the semis and finals.

[Hawkeye]

Boults takes the first set 6-4 against Putintseva!

[Hawkeye]

1 set all, Katie's level dropped.

[JAMES4578]

Pretty much all Putintseva now though Katie just held on at 0-4. pity about foot injury but think the tide had turned.

[Hawkeye]

Putintseva wins 4-6 6-3 6-2. Katie struggled with a foot injury.

Harriet Dart v. Elena Rybakina is up next.

Not much of a crowd in, doesn't bode well for the non-GB ties.

[Hawkeye]

Rybakina making fairly short work of Harriet so far, 6-1.

[Hawkeye]

Second set was much better but the Kazakh wins 6-1 6-4.

[JAMES4578]

Looked like Harriet would have trouble making an impact but done well to fight back from early break in 2nd, ultimately could not extend the match though.

[Hawkeye]

Barnett/Nicholls a set up against Danilina/Rybakina and looking confident! Need this rubber to have any hope of qualifying.

[JAMES4578]

Barnett/Nicholls take it 7-5,6-3, so at least ending the day with some positivity! Good win!

[Hawkeye]

Enjoyed that, looks like we might have a great pair for the future!

[exislander]

That pair have been playing together for some time now and have had some success in events.

[Stell]

I watched Barnett and Nicholls on the Red button and I did think they would win it as they were the better pairing. It looked they were playing to hardly anyone there. I know if Kazakhstan beat Spain, our tie against Spain becomes meaningless.

[Jan]

Enjoyed that, looks like we might have a great pair for the future!
Indeed, it was a joy to watch!

[cazza99]

This is the schedule - https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/media/327527/327527.jpg

GB playing Spain on Thursday after 4.00 pm.

[Hawkeye]

BBC reporting that the Emirates Arena was less than half full yesterday. But they also reported the capacity as 4300 which implies that the entire arena wasn’t available. I actually thought when I saw them practicing in the velodrome that they had decided to use that instead due to poor ticket sales, but I guess that’s where the practice court is.

[exislander]

There are two matches being played in each session today so I am guessing the space is split into two courts so capacity of each will be less than for Davis Cup when there was one court for matches. I also saw on some LTA info that there was a bookable shuttle bus operating for evening return to city centre - nothing was done for DC - and mention of taxis from car park 3?

[Hawkeye]

After Spain’s victory over Kazakhstan yesterday, all GB need is a 3-0 win over Spain today to qualify...

[Hawkeye]

Boulter dropped in favour of Heather Watson, who currently leads Nuria Parrizas-Diaz *4-0.

[exislander]

Heather going really well now 5-0

[Hawkeye]

Nice bagel to start!

[Hawkeye]

Heather breaks for *4-2!

[Hawkeye]

5-2!

[Hawkeye]

Heather breaks again for a fantastic 6-0 6-2 win!

[Jan]

Brilliant :bravo:

[exislander]

Now they just need 2 more wins!

[Hawkeye]

Badosa v. Dart next, a big ask.

[Jane]

Well done Heather!!:GBflag::yahoo:

[Hawkeye]

Harriet starts with a break!

[Hawkeye]

Harriet breaks again for *5-2!

[Hawkeye]

Badosa got one break back, but was broken again for 6-3! Badosa really struggling with her serve.

[themass15]

Amazing win by Harriet Dart!

[Jan]

Go GB!!!
Brilliant win for Harriet! :GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous win for Harriet,well done! Great from Heather too to set up some momentum, great stuff (even if spaniards did not have best performances)

[Jane]

:GBflag::thumbup::thumbup:

[exislander]

This is unbelievable! 7-6 set 1 to Barnett/Nichols.

[exislander]

GB had a match point but will serve now at 5-2

[exislander]

From complete underdogs this morning GB are in the semis!!!!

[Hawkeye]

Wasn't that great! Australia in the semis on Saturday morning!

[JAMES4578]

Amazing performance from Barnett/Nichols to take GB to the semis,well done! A very tight first set but thereafter took command and a big upset today!

[Jan]

Wow!!!! Just Wow!!!!!! :GBflag::GBflag:

[themass15]

Amazing

[Genbrit]

Thoroughly enjoyed that doubles match. Well done to them.

[Stell]

I jumped for joy, when Barnett and Nicholls won. A complete contrast to earlier this year.

[Jan]

Apparently the semi-final will be shown on BBC2 :GBflag:

Mike Dickson
@Mike_Dickson_DM
·
8m
GB v Australia Billie Jean King Cup semi-final has been switched to main BBC2 network tomorrow. 10am start.

[Sallydaisy]

Yay! Come on ladies - lets WIN!
:GBflag:

[Stell]

BBC 2 are showing it, Jan. It came as a nice surprise.

[DanW]

Back at the Emirates for semis. Weren't expecting to be seeing gbr. Hoping for some good matches and big crowds

[Hawkeye]

Storm Sanders takes the first set against Heather Watson. Sanders then took a long MTO. Really need to win this rubber to stand any chance.

[Hawkeye]

Second set tie break.

[Hawkeye]

Sanders wins 6-4 7-6(3).

[JAMES4578]

Certainly disappointing,pity Heather could not take advantage of early lead in 2nd.

[Hawkeye]

Harriet Dart leads Tomljanovic 5-2* in the first set!

[themass15]

Unfortunately broken when serving for the set

[Hawkeye]

Harriet takes the tie break 7-3!

[Hawkeye]

Harriet is a double break up in the second set! 5-1*.

[exislander]

Harriet 5-1 in set 2!

[Hawkeye]

Here we go, Harriet to serve for the match at 5-2.

[Jan]

:cheer::cheer::cheer::GBflag:

[Hawkeye]

Outstanding! I believe that we will win...

[JAMES4578]

I was a bit worried when Harriet was pegged back in the first but strong in the breaker and great 2nd set, well done! Hopefully the Doubles will go to plan.

[exislander]

Aww, that was so close - till the tie break!

[exislander]

Aargh - they nearly had it but Australia break back for 5-5.

[exislander]

match tiebreak to decide!!!

[Jan]

:nailbiter:

[Hawkeye]

I thought we were getting another set... This is torture!

[Jan]

I thought we were getting another set... This is torture!
Should really be a full set IMHO

[Hawkeye]

Nerves got the better of them eventually. They mustn't get too upset.

[Jan]

Not to be, but what a week for the GB team - they should be very proud of what they've achieved this week.

[JAMES4578]

An exciting Doubles if tense at times, tight but unfortunately Alicia/Olivia come up a bit short this time. Well done to all the team for their efforts this week, whilst disappointing in the end would not have expected a semi at the start of the week.

[Hawkeye]

Draw for next year's qualifiers.https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/media/328165/328165.png

[DanW]

Good article about bjk https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/63589651
Sounds like we may host again.

[JAMES4578]

Switzerland are the champions with Belinda Bencic crushing Ajla Tomljanović 6-2,6-1 to take their first trophy,well done! Earlier Jill Teichmann got the better of Storm Sanders 6-3,4-6,6-3 in a more competitive encounter.

[Stell]

I hope it's not too early for me to say I would be interested in going to see our team play the French next April.

[Stell]

When will we know the venue for our tie against the French?

[themass15]

When one has been found

[lovetennis]

I hope it's not too early for me to say I would be interested in going to see our team play the French next April.

Also interested, depending on venue. They do take their time don't they :whistle:

[Stell]

I did mean, when will they announce the venue in a sarcastic way as I agree with lovetennis. They are seriously taking their time to announce it.

[themass15]

Hoping it will be somewhere that is convenient for most people to get to.

[Stell]

I agree with you, themass15.

[Stell]

According to the Daily Mail, the venue is likely to be the Copper Box in London. I also read, the Billie Jean Cup Finals probably won't be held in Glasgow (if we get there) as they made a huge financial loss when it was held there last year. In fact, they might not even bid for it which is a bit of a shame.

[themass15]

According to the Daily Mail, the venue is likely to be the Copper Box in London. I also read, the Billie Jean Cup Finals probably won't be held in Glasgow (if we get there) as they made a huge financial loss when it was held there last year. In fact, they might not even bid for it which is a bit of a shame.

Alao in the Times about BJK Cup. Says the Copper Box is in pole position. Really hope that is true. Also Anne Keothovong was brought up in Hackney.

[Stell]

It's weird to think that the Copper Box in London was the last time that I saw everyone, who also went there, to watch our Billie Jean Cup team (back then the Fed Cup) play Kazakhstan.

[Stell]

Still no announcement about the venue, but the tickets are coming soon according to their website.

[themass15]

Still no announcement about the venue, but the tickets are coming soon according to their website.

It would help to know the venue! Do you know when the info about tickets was put on the website?

[Stell]

No idea, themass15. I decided to have a look, yesterday, as I was feeling it's a bit strange that next week is March and I still hadn't heard or read about a venue. When I clicked onto 'tickets', it said they would let everyone know when the tickets would be going on sale and the price.

[themass15]

No idea, themass15. I decided to have a look, yesterday, as I was feeling it's a bit strange that next week is March and I still hadn't heard or read about a venue. When I clicked onto 'tickets', it said they would let everyone know when the tickets would be going on sale and the price.


In the Times and Daily Mail earlier this month it said the tie was likely to be at the Copper Box but they have 2 events on now that weekend.

[Stell]

I know. I read it the Daily Mail.

[Stell]

I know. I read it the Daily Mail. I've looked at their website and the two events are a boxing match and basketball. They could have the tie played early afternoon at the Copper Box and have the boxing match in the evening. I'm not sure about the basketball.

[themass15]

I know. I read it the Daily Mail. I've looked at their website and the two events are a boxing match and basketball. They could have the tie played early afternoon at the Copper Box and have the boxing match in the evening. I'm not sure about the basketball.
You still have to lay the tennis court

[Stell]

It was only a guess and a compromise. I know in 2019, it was in Bath before we went to the Copper Box in the April.

[themass15]

It was only a guess and a compromise. I know in 2019, it was in Bath before we went to the Copper Box in the April.

I think that would possibly be too small a venue

[Caro]

Well wherever it’s going to be, they are leaving it very late to announce!

[Stell]

I know, Caro. I think Harriet Dart and Heather Watson could be in the team. I wonder if they'll might go for Nicholls and Barnett for the doubles.

[themass15]

Am hoping it's London, Birmingham, Exeter or Milton Keynes. Looks as though there's no trains on some routes eg Derby

[Sallydaisy]

Well wherever it’s going to be, they are leaving it very late to announce!
There's a hint from Mike Dickson that somewhere in the Midlands near Birmingham is being considered.
;)

[suttontennis]

GB men played Russia in 2013 at Coventry. That's near enough to Birmingham.

[Sallydaisy]

GB men played Russia in 2013 at Coventry. That's near enough to Birmingham.
We were there! I made a huge meringue birthday cake for Joyce and another AMFFer who had a BIG birthday. We all stayed at what is now the Novotel and shared lifts to the Arena.
:GBflag:

[Stell]

I've always wanted a big event in Exeter, but it nobody has ever considered it in tennis. Exeter did host some rugby matches the last time this country hosted the rugby world cup and I know Liverpool FC came to Exeter quite a few years ago during an FA Cup match. If the Billie Jean tie was played in Exeter, they could easily choose the university.

[themass15]

Mike Dickson from Daily Mail has confirmed it is Coventry Arena. Glad I reserved hotel now. Hope tickets go on sale soon. Bring it on

[suttontennis]

GB men played Russia in 2013 at Coventry. That's near enough to Birmingham.

And my prize for a correct guess is ??

[Caro]

Local for me although a pain to get to unless driving and then parking is a pain … in any case I can’t go as we’re moving house (hopefully) in April

[themass15]

Bad news for anyone hoping to see Emma

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1747610/Emma-Raducanu-news-Great-Britain-Billie-Jean-King-Cup-Miami-Open-Porsche-GP?utm_source=daily_express_newsletter&utm_campaign=breaking_Express_tennis_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

[Caro]

Beepin’ typical … now not moving in April so could have gone to this! Might think about buying tickets

[themass15]

I think you might find there are only single tickets left

[Stell]

I can only presume the BBC will be showing it on their website, as usual. As there is nothing for BBC 1, BBC 2 are showing gymnastics and the Red Button is also showing gymnastics.

[Sallydaisy]

From Tennis on Telly - note it doesn't state Where on the Beeb.
NEW: The BBC will be showing Great Britain vs France in the Billie Jean King Cup next Friday and Saturday, with Tennis Channel International covering all ties over the weekend.

[JAMES4578]

GB's tie with France will be available via iPlayer and the BBC sports website , information from the LTA https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/billie-jean-king-cup/news/2023-great-britain-vs-france-preview-schedule-teams-and-how-to-watch/

[Stell]

I was going to say that as well, regarding where to watch it.

[Hawkeye]

Friday

Katie Boulter v. Caroline Garcia
Harriet Dart v. Alize Cornet

Saturday

Harriet Dart v. Caroline Garcia
Katie Boulter v. Alize Cornet
Barnett & Nicholls v. Garcia & Mladenovic

[suttontennis]

France have a very strong team. We will do well to get anything from this tie.

[Hawkeye]

1498

[Stell]

It'll now be shown on the Red Button as well.

[Hawkeye]

Katie fails to hold on to a first set break, but takes it to a tie break and manages to take it!

Unfortunately, Garcia is a break up in the second set and is looking more comfortable.

[Hawkeye]

So much for me saying Garcia looks comfortable...

Garcia takes an extended MTO to get treatment for blisters on her feet, and is then broken to love for 4-4.

Katie then holds for 5-4, and now Garcia has to serve to save the match.

[Hawkeye]

Second set tie break, suspect that Katie has to take this.

[Hawkeye]

Ach, one set all.

[Hawkeye]

Katie breaks in the decider!

*3-2.

[Hawkeye]

Katie saves 2 break points to consolidate the break!

[Hawkeye]

Back on serve as Garcia breaks to love.

4-4.

[Hawkeye]

A couple of break points come and go, and now Katie is serving to stay in the match at *4-5.

[Hawkeye]

France have a first match point... Saved!

[Hawkeye]

Katie holds! 5 all.

[Hawkeye]

Garcia holds for 6-5, so let's hope for another tie break.

[Hawkeye]

Garcia with a second match point... Saved again with a GB net!

[Hawkeye]

Katie holds! A 3rd tie break to settle it.

[Hawkeye]

Garcia takes it 7-2.

[Hawkeye]

4th consecutive tie break of the tie...

[Hawkeye]

Harriet with her first set point at 6-5*.

[Hawkeye]

Nuts. 6-6.

[Hawkeye]

Cornet takes it 8-6.

[Hawkeye]

A 5th consecutive tie break, and we really need this one!

[Hawkeye]

2-0 to France. What will the captains do after today's marathons?

[JAMES4578]

Certainly a good effort but ultimately France have the clear advantage (even if tight matches).

[Hawkeye]

Garcia wins the tie for France with a 6-1 6-7 6-1 win over Harriet Dart, so Team GB will face a play off.

[Sallydaisy]

Garcia took the match against Harriet Dart in the 1st singles today so France win
the tie 3-0. The 2nd Singles match between Katie Boulter vs Alize Cornet will not be played.

They're now playing the Doubles with Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls taking on Clara Burel and Kristina Mladenovic.

[JAMES4578]

Good that Barnett/Nicholls got the win in another tight one 7-5 3-6,11-9. (even if somewhat academic).

[Caro]

Being local … I managed to get a last minute ticket and went to watch on Saturday.
The doubles was such a good comeback in the MTB. The team as a whole really deserved at least one win. Such close matches against a much higher ranked team! Well done team GB :clap::clap:

[Hawkeye]

No second chance for Team GB this year, as the Finals are announced for Seville and the wild card awarded to Poland.

[Hawkeye]

Team GB have a home draw against Sweden in the World Group play-off.

[jackie55]

Wonder how long will have to wait this time to see what venue they decide to use

[suttontennis]

Wonder how long will have to wait this time to see what venue they decide to use

can't imagine it will go anywhere other than Coventry.