Davis Cup 2018 World Group Play-offs Support thread - Speculation, travels, info etc.

[Alis]

Who are we likely to play in the play off?

[Joyce]

Who are we likely to play in the play off?Was also wondering this!
Do we know the play-off dates, whether the match will be home or away , & possible opponents?

[lovetennis]

Who are we likely to play in the play off?

Just been trying to work it out but too many combinations at the moment to get my head around it. It depends on the Group 1 2nd round results in April. Maybe Bardot or Roy will work it out - they are usually good at working our all the permutations of the draw.

Anyway it gives us all 2 months to book cancellable Premier Inns up and down the land :big grin:

[lovetennis]

Was also wondering this!
Do we know the play-off dates, whether the match will be home or away , & possible opponents?

14-16 Sept is the date. Daughter has just given me permission to miss her birthday on the 15th

[Hawkeye]

Re the play-offs, I know we'll be seeded at any rate. The draw wasn't until April 11th last year. I'm sure one of our tennis encyclopedia members will be along with all the what-ifs soon enough.

[lovetennis]

May as well start the speculation early...the Emirates Arena is free in Sept

[Hawkeye]

The World Group play-off are from the 14th to the 16th of September and we won't know who we are playing until mid-April after the Zonal Second Rounds.

So can we please put EVERYTHING in here until we know who our opponents are?

Thanks.

[WimbledonWestie]

Crossing everything for a home tie. Can't imagine going two seasons without any live DC.

[lovetennis]

Crossing everything for a home tie. Can't imagine going two seasons without any live DC.

I just realised that by the time Sept rolls around it will be 2 whole years since I went to a tie :crying: . Please Tennis Gods give us a home tie next time. I'm booking the time off when I get to work tomorrow.

[WimbledonWestie]

Me too, that Argentina match seems a long time ago! I have no option but to work Friday and Monday so need the tie somewhere I can get to - and get home on the Sunday - without missing too much of the tennis. Having to leave Andy's match v nishikori at the start of the fifth in order to catch flight home from Birmingham was torture., Away ties in term time definitely not happening.

[lovetennis]

Me too, that Argentina match seems a long time ago! I have no option but to work Friday and Monday so need the tie somewhere I can get to - and get home on the Sunday - without missing too much of the tennis. Having to leave Andy's match v nishikori at the start of the fifth in order to catch flight home from Birmingham was torture., Away ties in term time definitely not happening.

You might get your wish - Emirates Arena is available. Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham have events either on the weekend or in the week running up to it.

[RosieBear]

You might get your wish - Emirates Arena is available. Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham have events either on the weekend or in the week running up to it.

Groan. There's kind of a reason why Emirates is always available :sofa: - if the speculation is starting early then so is my carping! :p;)

Edit: that said James did brilliantly with transport for the last Glasgow tie, really made a world of difference :thumbup::thumbup:

[lovetennis]

Groan. There's kind of a reason why Emirates is always available :sofa: - if the speculation is starting early then so is my carping! :p;)

I know what you mean but once I'm in there I love the atmosphere in the Emirates. I know it's a long trek for those of you in the south though. Not too bad for me as I'm about half way up the country. Keep wishing for another Liverpool tie but the arena has The League of Gentlemen on for 2 nights :sad:

[WimbledonWestie]

By home tie I'm happy with uk tho obviously Glasgow would be my preference to save me missing any of the Sunday tennis - have sometimes made some of the Friday too- though the obliging staff member who helped that happen has moved on to pastures new but it's up for consideration while matches are best of 5. I'll content myself with praying for home tie first then start praying re the venue.

[RosieBear]

I know what you mean but once I'm in there I love the atmosphere in the Emirates. I know it's a long trek for those of you in the south though. Not too bad for me as I'm about half way up the country. Keep wishing for another Liverpool tie but the arena has The League of Gentlemen on for 2 nights :sad:

It's not the distance, it's the total lack of transport links, but as I edited above the minibus James organised last time really improved things. I don't mind long walks, but not everyone can manage it.

[lovetennis]

Groan. There's kind of a reason why Emirates is always available :sofa: - if the speculation is starting early then so is my carping! :p;)

Edit: that said James did brilliantly with transport for the last Glasgow tie, really made a world of difference :thumbup::thumbup:

They've also improved the train service to Dalmarnock- they now run on a Sunday. Had to queue up for a bit on the return journey but it soon moved and they were very organised at loading people onto the platform and train.

[WimbledonWestie]

It's not the distance, it's the total lack of transport links, but as I edited above the minibus James organised last time really improved things. I don't mind long walks, but not everyone can manage it.

I do agree with you there, the transport links are pretty rubbish considering that even before the arena was built there a regularly 60000 football fans in the area on a regular basis.

[JAMES4578]

Whilst trains run on Sunday they stop relatively early, just checked and last one is 6.09 PM. Looking like could well be Emirates if home tie, however won't be organising transport just yet ;). of course LTA won't be booking any venue before opponents known.

[Hawkeye]

Queen's Club? :big grin:

[RosieBear]

Queen's Club? :big grin:

Principality Stadium Cardiff :thumbup:

(don't know how to check availability past July so don't know if available, but fantastic venue)

[lovetennis]

Ok I've done my best to work out potential opponents and whether they would be a home or away match. These teams have another round to play in April which will cut down the potential opponents to 8 teams, but the present 16 potential opponents are

Argentina away
Chile away
Colombia (never played before so coin toss to decide)
Brazil away
India away
China (never played before)
Pakistan (never played before)
Uzbekistan (never played before)
Czech R home
Israel away
Portugal away
Sweden away
Bosnia/Hertzegovina away
Slovakia away
Austria away
Russia away

Not a lot of home potential and some very far flung away possibilities. Safe to say I'l be cheering on the Czechs in April

[RosieBear]

Ok I've done my best to work out potential opponents and whether they would be a home or away match. These teams have another round to play in April which will cut down the potential opponents to 8 teams, but the present 16 potential opponents are

Argentina away
Chile away
Colombia (never played before so coin toss to decide)
Brazil away
India away
China (never played before)
Pakistan (never played before)
Uzbekistan (never played before)
Czech R home
Israel away
Portugal away
Sweden away
Bosnia/Hertzegovina away
Slovakia away
Austria away
Russia away

Not a lot of home potential and some very far flung away possibilities. Safe to say I'l be cheering on the Czechs in April

Thanks very much for this, lt. Eeek, not looking too hopeful for a home tie or even short hop away, but you never know - fingers tightly crossed.

[Hawkeye]

Ouch!

[lovetennis]

Hope I've done it right - the Wikipedia page :shamed: was easier to understand than the official DC page for the Group 1 results. The home/away info is taken from the official DC website based on where the teams played each other last time.
I'm pretty sure it's correct but hopefully someone more used to tracking this stuff will confirm. Hawkeye was correct, we will be seeded so get to avoid the likes of Switzerland, Serbia & Australia

[Hawkeye]

I hope you've got it horribly wrong, but I'm sure you haven't!

[WimbledonWestie]

Ouch!

[lovetennis]

I hope you've got it horribly wrong, but I'm sure you haven't!

So do I! I really hope someone says it's wrong but I checked it 3 times, hoping it would turn out better. It certainly couldn't be much worse

[JimmyG]

Ok I've done my best to work out potential opponents and whether they would be a home or away match. These teams have another round to play in April which will cut down the potential opponents to 8 teams, but the present 16 potential opponents are

Argentina away
Chile away
Colombia (never played before so coin toss to decide)
Brazil away
India away
China (never played before)
Pakistan (never played before)
Uzbekistan (never played before)
Czech R home
Israel away
Portugal away
Sweden away
Bosnia/Hertzegovina away
Slovakia away
Austria away
Russia away

Not a lot of home potential and some very far flung away possibilities. Safe to say I'l be cheering on the Czechs in April

GB will be seeded for the play-off draw.
My understanding is that the seedings for the play-off are based on DC rankings so Argentina would definitely also be seeded, possible that Czech R and Russia could be (if they win their Group I matches)
I think Hungary, Netherlands & Japan could then become unseeded nations in the play-off draw

[lovetennis]

Fingers crossed the Czechs don't get seeded then!

[Alis]

Thanks for that lt - the team may well have to manage without their usual vociferous support!

[Linda]

Hope the LTA will take the cue from other countries (Canada, Spain, etc.) and lay on free buses in future - and not leave everyone, including elderly & disabled, outside in the rain at night miles from anywhere with no prospect of getting any transport.

[Guerkins2]

GB will be seeded for the play-off draw.
My understanding is that the seedings for the play-off are based on DC rankings so Argentina would definitely also be seeded, possible that Czech R and Russia could be (if they win their Group I matches)
I think Hungary, Netherlands & Japan could then become unseeded nations in the play-off draw
So are Hungary, Japan or the Netherlands possible opponents too ?

[Hawkeye]

GB will be seeded for the play-off draw.
My understanding is that the seedings for the play-off are based on DC rankings so Argentina would definitely also be seeded, possible that Czech R and Russia could be (if they win their Group I matches)
I think Hungary, Netherlands & Japan could then become unseeded nations in the play-off drawAnd all 3 of those would be away ties...

[RosieBear]

Hope the LTA will take the cue from other countries (Canada, Spain, etc.) and lay on free buses in future - and not leave everyone, including elderly & disabled, outside in the rain at night miles from anywhere with no prospect of getting any transport.

I totally agree, Linda, but I'm not holding my breath - if that debacle in March 2015, which actually made some people ill, didn't push the LTA into action then nothing will. Very poor :grrr:

[lovetennis]

So are Hungary, Japan or the Netherlands possible opponents too ?

Wikipedia reckons not, it gives the losing World Group teams this weekend as the seeds, BUT I don't fully trust it and surely Argentina will be seeded when they are ranked 2 in Davis Cup after their 2016 victory

[GillyD]

Yikes - there's quite a few air miles to be covered in that list !!!

[JimmyG]

Wikipedia reckons not, it gives the losing World Group teams this weekend as the seeds, BUT I don't fully trust it and surely Argentina will be seeded when they are ranked 2 in Davis Cup after their 2016 victory

See page 10 of the Davis Cup regulations, 18(b) says seeding is based on current rankings so i don't believe the draw is necessarily World Group teams vs Group1 teams

18.THE WORLD GROUP PLAY-OFF
(a) Participation
There will be World Group Play-off Ties comprised of the losing Nations
from the first round in the World Group and the Nations promoted from the
Groups I of the Americas Zone, the Asia/Oceania Zone and the
Europe/Africa Zone.
(b) Draw and seeds
A Play-Off Draw will be made by the Davis Cup Committee no later than one
week after the completion of the Zonal Groups l. Eight Nations shall be
seeded. Their selection shall be made by the Davis Cup Committee in
accordance with most recent Davis Cup Nations Ranking.

[Caro]

Yikes indeed! Was really, really hoping for a doable tie is Sept ... going to be having major withdrawal symptoms ... :sad::nailbiter:

[WimbledonWestie]

So we pretty much need to spend two months with our fingers, toes and everything else crossed for a draw against a team we've never played - and a favourable coin toss. :nailbiter:

[roytennisfan]

Rankings points will change now and in April but looking as they are, currently the 8 options could be something like this, it assumes the seeded teams will win in April, if they win Argentina and Czech become seeded meaning Hungary and Netherlands won't. Both of those would be away
Other European options would be Russia and Portugal away and Slovakia at home.
Asian options would be India away and Uzbekistan by lots.
The eighth option is Brazil, possibly by lots (not certain)
Another possibility is that Russia could get enough points to be seeded in which case likely they could be replaced by Japan which would also be away.
Plenty can happen in April to change these of course.

Edit: thanks to lovetennis, 2 possible corrections
Says Brazil and Slovakia would both be away, did these from memory only so wasn't certain

[roytennisfan]

So we pretty much need to spend two months with our fingers, toes and everything else crossed for a draw against a team we've never played - and a favourable coin toss. :nailbiter:
Maybe you fancy Uzbekistan? Definitely would be a nail biter waiting to hear choice of venue!

[roytennisfan]

Fingers crossed the Czechs don't get seeded then!

They are virtually certain to be seeded

[JimmyG]

They are virtually certain to be seeded

That was my first thought but looking at their points I think they will lose nearly 1000 points today and another 1250 on April 9th, so more than half their current points. The rankings are complicated though so not sure I've got this correct!

[Linda]

Yes, we played Slovakia at home a few years ago. I remember because it was one of the very few ties I have missed. I was on holiday at the time - in Slovakia! So I was able to watch some of it on the TV there.

[WimbledonWestie]

Oh the Slovakia tie was exciting! Lots of 5 setters. Nail biting stuff.

[roytennisfan]

That was my first thought but looking at their points I think they will lose nearly 1000 points today and another 1250 on April 9th, so more than half their current points. The rankings are complicated though so not sure I've got this correct!

You could well be right then, did my figuring seedings in a bar watching football so didn't have time to consider what was dropping just the large points difference.

[roytennisfan]

Yes, we played Slovakia at home a few years ago. I remember because it was one of the very few ties I have missed. I was on holiday at the time - in Slovakia! So I was able to watch some of it on the TV there.

Remembered we played in Bratislava, guessing that was longer ago then

[JimmyG]

Brazil might be draw of lots.
Last GB vs Brazil tie listed on the DC site is 1969, the alternating home/away rule only applies from 1970 onwards.

I think Bosnia/Herzegovina is also draw of lots

[roytennisfan]

Brazil will be lots, they have moved above Russia and Hungary in latest rankings, Czech down 1125 points. Hungary definitely won't be seeded and Russia now looking unlikely. Definite seeds are Argentina, GB, Swiss, Aussies and Serbs, others uncertain currently Czech, Canada and Netherlands with Japan just out and Brazil a possibility, Japan is a long trip of course.

[JimmyG]

I've had a go at calculating the April ranking points if Argentina, Czech R, Russia, Brazil all win.
(Could be errors in this obviously but my spreadsheet of the current rankings did tally with the DC site)
GB, Serbia, Australia, Switzerland definitely seeded so 4 spots remaining

Argentina Loads
Canada 2500
Czech R 2475
Japan 2375
-------------------------
Russia 2256.25
Brazil 2235
Netherlands 2100
Hungary 2076.25

Looks like Canada & Japan are seeded whatever happens
For the other 6 teams to get one of the 2 remaining seed spots:-
Argentina -> needs to beat Chile
Czech R -> needs to beat Israel
Russia -> needs to beat Austria and 1 of Argentina/Czech to lose
Brazil -> needs to beat Colombia (away) and 2 of Argentina/Czech/Russia to lose
Netherlands -> needs 3 of Argentina/Czech/Russia/Brazil to lose
Hungary -> needs all 4 of Argentina/Czech/Russia/Brazil to lose


So I think the possible draws for GB are

Lot:- Colombia, Brazil, China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Bosnia/Herzegovina

Away:- Chile, India, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia, Austria, Russia, Hungary, Netherlands


EDIT: See later post for correction!

[themass15]

Not good odds for a home tie

[JAMES4578]

Certainly far more likely to be another away tie and some wouldn't be convenient for many, counting on a favourable coin toss! if away hopefully one of the better options.

[JimmyG]

Oops, slight update, forgot Brazil are away in their Group I match...
I've had a go at calculating the April ranking points if Argentina, Czech R, Russia, Brazil all win.
(Still possibility of other errors in this, will check it later)

GB, Serbia, Australia, Switzerland definitely seeded so 4 spots remaining

Argentina Loads
Canada 2500
Czech R 2475
Brazil 2385
-----------------------------------
Japan 2375
Russia 2256.25
Netherlands 2100
Hungary 2076.25

Looks like Canada is seeded whatever happens
For the other 7 teams to get one of the 3 remaining seed spots:-
Argentina -> needs to beat Chile
Czech R -> needs to beat Israel
Brazil -> needs to beat Colombia (away)
Japan -> needs 1 of Argentina/Czech/Brazil to lose
Russia -> needs to beat Austria and 2 of Argentina/Czech/Brazil to lose
Netherlands -> needs 3 of Argentina/Czech/Russia/Brazil to lose
Hungary -> needs all 4 of Argentina/Czech/Russia/Brazil to lose


So I think the possible draws for GB are

Lot:- Colombia, China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Bosnia/Herzegovina

Away:- Chile, India, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia, Austria, Russia, Hungary, Netherlands, Japan

[Hawkeye]

Every time someone takes a fresh look at it, it gets worse!

[lovetennis]

Not great odds for a home tie but I'm staying optimistic that it will at least be somewhere with reasonable travel costs, so have booked the Thurs-Mon off work. Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia, Austria, Russia, Hungary and Bosnia/Hertz might be doable but will depend on costs. You just never know, I thought Malaga flights for the recent tie would be easy/cheap but from my local airports there was limited choice with it being winter and more than I wanted to pay

[Stell]

You never know with Brazil, as they beat Spain.

[patlowe]

There are far too many permutations for me to get my head round! In my case it's basically wait and see, but really interesting to read all the possibilities from those brave enough, (and knowledgeable), to have a go. Thanks for that.

[JimmyG]

Every time someone takes a fresh look at it, it gets worse!

Right everyone stop looking now :pirate:

[roytennisfan]

Jimmy... I get Brazil at 2385 with a win which if i'm correct would unfortunately knock out Japan 2160 + 750 (away win) - 525 (50% away win- 375 and 25% win -150)

[roytennisfan]

Right everyone stop looking now :pirate:

Should have read this first, had done my Brazil calcs at Airport yesterday

[jagmad]

Should have read this first, had done my Brazil calcs at Airport yesterday

Having a Brazilian done in an airport???
You must be mad Roy.

[JimmyG]

Jimmy... I get Brazil at 2385 with a win which if i'm correct would unfortunately knock out Japan 2160 + 750 (away win) - 525 (50% away win- 375 and 25% win -150)

Yes indeed, I put Brazil in the seed list with 2385 points in post #53 on Tuesday
Btw, I have another update to post later (Chile will be seeded if they beat Argentina)

[JimmyG]

Have now crunched the Chile numbers as well and I think they would be seeded.

I've had a go at calculating the April ranking points if Argentina/Chile, Czech R, Russia, Brazil all win.
(Still possibility of other errors in this)

GB, Serbia, Australia, Switzerland definitely seeded so 4 spots remaining

Argentina 18778.75 or Chile 2400
Canada 2500
Czech R 2475
Brazil 2385
-----------------------------------
Japan 2375
Russia 2256.25
Netherlands 2100
Hungary 2073.13

Looks like Canada is seeded whatever happens
For the other teams to get one of the 3 remaining seed spots:-
Argentina -> needs to beat Chile
Chile -> needs to beat Argentina
Czech R -> needs to beat Israel
Brazil -> needs to beat Colombia (away)
Japan -> needs 1 of Czech/Brazil to lose
Russia -> needs to beat Austria and both of Czech/Brazil to lose
Netherlands -> needs all 3 of Czech/Russia/Brazil to lose


So I think the possible draws for GB are

Lot:- Colombia, China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Bosnia/Herzegovina

Away:- India, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia, Austria, Russia, Hungary, Netherlands, Japan

[Linda]

Hope it's in Budapest, always wanted to go there :)

[JimmyG]

Hope it's in Budapest, always wanted to go there :)

Lovely city, had a great stay there 5 years ago, prices very reasonable!

[Hawkeye]

I'd look to go if it was any of the European ones except Russia.

[themass15]

Hope it's in Budapest, always wanted to go there :)

Well worth visiting even without DC

[JerryD]

I can do any Europe and any home and maybe India depending on the location but not the others. Oh well only 2 months until we know. So I'm just going to put it out of my mind until then :)

[Stell]

I've always wanted to go and see the Taj Mahal.

[JerryD]

I've always wanted to go and see the Taj Mahal.

It is worth a visit but best very early or not long before closing to avoid the worst of the crowds. The baby taj is good one it's much smaller crowds. I'd prefer a home tie though lol

[Caro]

I'd look to go if it was any of the European ones except Russia. Me and GillyD also. Why not Russia? Is it really expensive? I'll need to be mindful of cost but really hoping to be able to go ... last weekend was torture not being there! Flippin typical that they are all away ties or lots .... not a guaranteed home tie in sight!

[JerryD]

Me and GillyD also. Why not Russia? Is it really expensive? I'll need to be mindful of cost but really hoping to be able to go ... last weekend was torture not being there! Flippin typical that they are all away ties or lots .... not a guaranteed home tie in sight!

I think the visa is both expensive and a Royal pain in the bum!

[JimmyG]

Also suspect they would play somewhere difficult/costly to get to, just to annoy us e.g. recent ties in Irkutsk, Kazan, Vladivostok, Novy Urengoy

[JerryD]

Agreed

[RosieBear]

Oooh Novy Urengoy in the spring time - highlights would include some of the world's largest gas fields and the Railway of Death, apparently :excited: Wanted stunning, historic Budapest, but bit torn now :shrug:

[Hawkeye]

Except it would be the autumn!

[RosieBear]

Of course! :doh: thought it was too good to be true :rolling:

[supergran]

Europe would be great but the others are sooo far but would consider it. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Like Jerry, not going to think about it until we know.:nailbiter::big grin:

[Linda]

They've just announced a new Eurostar service to Amsterdam which would be handy for Londoners should it be there.

[Stell]

I put that on the non-tennis news, Linda. It'll be for one way only.

Only eight Fridays to go until we start to know who'll be coming into the draw with us.

[Sallydaisy]

I put that on the non-tennis news, Linda. It'll be for one way only.

Only eight Fridays to go until we start to know who'll be coming into the draw with us.
Actually it's going to operate both ways i.e. London to Amsterdam/Rotterdam and RETURN.
Two return journeys per day Mon-Fri (with a 3rd being worked on) and journey each way Sat and Sun.

All trains will operate via Brussels where it will always stop but until Rotterdam/Amsterdam get dedicated Eurostar check-in systems (2019) those travellers going from Rotterdam/Amsterdam to London will need to step off the train at Brussels to do security and passport checks and get back on. London to Rotterdam/Amsterdam can be direct using the existing Eurostar St Pancras Intl. The lines are already set aside for Eurostar to the Netherlands and station enhancements in progress.

[roytennisfan]

I think the visa is both expensive and a Royal pain in the bum!

Russia insists on visiting a processing location for fingerprints, options are London Edinburgh and more recently Manchester, fee is 118.20 can get cheap Moscow flights from north west using easyjet to Germany then changing to a Russian airline

[supergran]

Russia insists on visiting a processing location for fingerprints, options are London Edinburgh and more recently Manchester, fee is 118.20 can get cheap Moscow flights from north west using easyjet to Germany then changing to a Russian airline

If it's Russia then you can be our source of information. :thumbup::thumbup::big grin:

[Hawkeye]

The fingerprinting must be a new thing, didn't have to do that when I went to Moscow in 2012.

[Stell]

I could only go on what the BBC put on their website, Sallydaisy.

[Stell]

Only 50 days to go until we know the rest of the countries, who'll be coming into the draw with us.

[roytennisfan]

Looking like this could be my last DC tie, fans sold out to big bucks

[RosieBear]

With those awful, prohibitive changes in the pipeline I'm hoping more than ever that this tie is doable for me and everyone else who needs it to be in the UK or Europe.:peace::peace::peace:

[lovetennis]

With those awful, prohibitive changes in the pipeline I'm hoping more than ever that this tie is doable for me and everyone else who needs it to be in the UK or Europe.:peace::peace::peace:

My goodness, couldn't agree more. I'm already long overdue a dose of live DC. The prospect of possibly never seeing it again is soul destroying. I know that sounds a bit drama-queeney but if they locate it in some far-flung venue it could be true, and I expect the expense of a week will rule out a lot of fans. I'm feeling so angry :furious: And that's before I even think about how the proposals totally "change" (for which read, "destroy") the format

[Linda]

We'd better cheer for our opponents in September - if we're relegated we'll still be on the old regime! ;)

[jagmad]

We'd better cheer for our opponents in September - if we're relegated we'll still be on the old regime! ;)

Andy being interviewed about the DC changes.
"So who will you be cheering on Andy"
"Anyone but GB!"

Wonder what the SUN would have to say about that one?

[Stell]

I remember he got into trouble with that the last time and then claimed he was joking.

I hope, in six weeks time, we'll get a country (if away) that we can all afford to go to. As I remember, the last time, we were in a play off, it was against Croatia in 2013 and the BBC didn't show it on either BBC1, BBC 2 or the Red Button. Instead, they showed it on their website.

[WimbledonWestie]

It was definitely on some tv channel , I remember watching it- and a week later we found out it was the last we'd seen of Andy for that year.

[Linda]

I think that we should all get new t-shirts for this tie - saying NO TO DC CHANGES.

[Hawkeye]

How about HANDS OFF OUR DC!

[Caro]

I think that we should all get new t-shirts for this tie - saying NO TO DC CHANGES.


How about HANDS OFF OUR DC!

Great idea! I'm in .... if it's somewhere I can get to ..... pleeeeease tennis gods!!

[WimbledonWestie]

Same to all of that! Right now I can't even get out my drive lol.

[jagmad]

I remember he got into trouble with that the last time and then claimed he was joking.

If I remember right he was stood next to Tim Henman, and it was aimed at him as a personal jibe! But....

You wouldn't believe it but I was talking to a man on the phone two days ago and at the end of our discussion he asked me if I would be kind enough to answer a few quick questions
for him. I said Yes.
His first Q went thus. "I would describe myself as Scottish, what would you describe yourself as?
To which i replied "Who are you? Andy Murray?
He wasn't amused...........
The amazing thing is I was reporting a possible crime to action fraud.
What in the blazes has how I feel about my nationality got to do with action fraud?
Beggers belief.
:confused::confused::shrug::facepalm:

[Josephine]

It was Tim Henman who made a joke about Scotland not being at the World Cup and then Andy joked he would support who ever England were playing. It was banter that happens every day between Scottish and English friends like Andy & Tim, totally blown out of proportion by the tabloid press who invented lies about him being anti-English and wearing a Paraguay shirt (or whatever it was). And made very nasty indeed by horrible hack Tony Parsons.

This has been gone over so many times - sorry to go into again - just seemed to need clarifying. Again.

[GillyD]

How about HANDS OFF OUR DC!

I like that...

[Stell]

It's a pity that we can't turn up, somewhere, on the 6th of next month wearing those t-shirts.

[jagmad]

How about HANDS OFF OUR DC!

If we made it DON'T MESS WITH OUR DC
Don't mess with our DC
you know you have the other tournys.
So don't mess with our DC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH-XP7apz4E

Nah lets not eh?

[JimmyG]

My latest assessment of the possible draws for GB

India (away)
Uzbekistan (by lot)
Sweden (away)
Bosnia/Herzegovina (by lot)
Austria (away)
Netherlands (away)
Hungary (away)
Japan (away) (if Brazil beat Colombia)
Colombia (by lot) (if Colombia beat Brazil)

[Caro]

Keeping everything crossed ... really, really, really want to be able to go before they ruin our DC!

[Caley Shaun]

I see that the zonal groups are playing the proposed 2 days and 3 set matches which I am still not in favour of, even though Argentina are close to being shocked.

[JimmyG]

Latest update on possible draws for GB; The draw is April 10th 10am UK time

India (away)
Uzbekistan (choice of ground decided by lot)
Sweden (away)
Bosnia/Herzegovina (choice of ground decided by lot)
Austria (away)
Netherlands (away)
Hungary (away)
Colombia (choice of ground decided by lot)


Seeded nations
1 Argentina (18778.75)
2 Great Britain (14291.25)
3 Australia (7198.44)
4 Switzerland (6487.5)
5 Serbia (6000)
6 Canada (2500)
7 CzechR (2475)
8 Japan (2375)

[lovetennis]

At least some of the guaranteed away ties are fairly within reach - Sweden, Austria, Netherlands and Hungary would be good destinations depending on which city they choose. Quite fancy a trip to Stockholm, Vienna, Amsterdam or Budapest. Just sussing flights to Sarajevo to see how easy Bosnia/Herz woud be

[JAMES4578]

Probably a few disappointed they can't go to Japan or China (well at least not for DC) ;) Most of the options likely doable for quite a few (whilst others really hoping for home tie)

[roytennisfan]

Probably a few disappointed they can't go to Japan or China (well at least not for DC) ;) Most of the options likely doable for quite a few (whilst others really hoping for home tie)

Personally wanted China and Japan over India and Columbia

[roytennisfan]

Not sure i would do India or Columbia (or Kazakhstan)

[Stell]

I would love to go to Vienna.

[Caley Shaun]

Latest update on possible draws for GB; The draw is April 10th 10am UK time

India (away)
Uzbekistan (choice of ground decided by lot)
Sweden (away)
Bosnia/Herzegovina (choice of ground decided by lot)
Austria (away)
Netherlands (away)
Hungary (away)
Colombia (choice of ground decided by lot)


Seeded nations
1 Argentina (18778.75)
2 Great Britain (14291.25)
3 Australia (7198.44)
4 Switzerland (6487.5)
5 Serbia (6000)
6 Canada (2500)
7 CzechR (2475)
8 Japan (2375)

Winnable ties there, especially if Andy and Kyle play but I would rather avoid Holland as they have Robin Haase who can play well at times, Austria too as they have Thiem, Melzer and Peya.

I want Hungary, Sweden or India :).

[Jan62]

Let's all make an offering to the tennis gods for lot leading to home tie, or a European away tie. Would love to visit Uzbekistan but would need longer to save up!

[Jan62]

Oh, forgot to ask. Do we know if the play offs are 3 day best of 5, or 2 day best of 3?

[lovetennis]

Not sure i would do India or Columbia (or Kazakhstan)

Yes really hoping we don't draw India, Colombia or Uzbekistan. While in tennis terms they would be very very win-able, they're not easy travel-wise, time-wise or expense-wise so I won't be considering going to any of those. Bosnia/Herz isn't that great travel-wise for us northwest based forumers - no direct flights from Liverpool or Manchester to Sarajevo

[Guerkins2]

Vienna would be great. Reasonably timed flights for me to do Saturday/Sunday too. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself :GBflag:

[Linda]

Well, it seems that half of the possible destinations are doable.

[Stell]

Will the draw be shown live on their website?

[JimmyG]

Seeds confirmed for play-off draw (same as reported here yesterday)

https://www.daviscup.com/en/news/283340.aspx

The draw is Tuesday 10am UK time

[29_adjacent]

Austria or Hungary please!

[Guerkins2]

When will we find out whether it’s home or away, if we are drawn against a country where the venue is to be decided? Thanks

[Sallydaisy]

When will we find out whether it’s home or away, if we are drawn against a country where the venue is to be decided? Thanks
No idea for sure!
BUT
I think it's possible that the decision is made at the time of the draw.

[tinawatt]

No idea for sure!
BUT
I think it's possible that the decision is made at the time of the draw.

Hope so, we've waited long enough!

[Caro]

No idea for sure!
BUT
I think it's possible that the decision is made at the time of the draw.

Yes I think you’re right Sally.

Whilst Austria is very doable and a nice place to visit, it’s a tough draw for the team so best avoided really (and no guarantee of Vienna, last time we were away to them it was in some obscure but very nice place near the Slovenian border).

India would be a good draw but I’m so desperate to go and India is too far and expensive for a weekend. So one of the by lot teams and a home tie would be best case scenario for the team and is, although I love trip to Europe ... quite fancy Hungary ...

[JimmyG]

When will we find out whether it’s home or away, if we are drawn against a country where the venue is to be decided? Thanks
We’ll know straight away, last time it happened for us (Canada) I think they picked 1 of 2 tokens out of a velvet bag

[Caley Shaun]

Austria or Hungary please!

No to Austria, they have Thiem, Melzer and Peya which would be tough if Andy doesn't play.

I quite fancy Netherlands or Sweden :).

[Stell]

The draw has now started.

[Stell]

Argentina vs Colombia in Argentina.

[JimmyG]

The Great Britain Davis Cup Team will host Uzbekistan for their World Group play-off tie, September 14th-16th.

[Stell]

You beauty!! Just learnt of us getting a home tie against Uzbekistan.

[Stell]

Australia vs Austria in Australia.

Switzerland vs Sweden in Switzerland.

Serbia vs India in Serbia.

Canada vs Netherlands in Canada.

Czech Republic vs Hungary in Hungary.

[Stell]

Japan vs Bosnia/Herzegovina in Japan.

[Linda]

Hooray! We can all go to the tie :cheer:

[RosieBear]

Yay! Amazing! I'm over the moon. If changes come in this could be our last hurrah at DC proper, so happy that loads of us will be able to make it.:grouphug: I haven't been since Sept 2016 due to research commitments, so absolutely cannot wait for this tie and to see everyone again.

[Joyce]

FAB news! Love DC :-)

[JerryD]

We were starting to worrying that with it being so close to an expensive trip to the uso we’d have to live on beans for a while to cover travel. I’d given up on hoping for a home tie and thought at least if it was Netherlands we could drive there and cut costs. So that’s what I was hoping for. This is great though :) I was hoping for Manchester but James says it’s orobably to big and is busy. But we’ll go anywhere really :)

[JAMES4578]

Certainly seems a good draw and avoided some of the worst options for fans, it could be at Glasgow Emirates though;)

[Hawkeye]

A non-contact weekend, holidays booked! Bring it on!

[roytennisfan]

Glasgow Hotel prices seem quite high, booked PI George street which can be cancelled, anyone booking Birmingham? Personally can't see it going there.

[Sallydaisy]

PI George St already sold out on Booking.com.

It could of course be played ANYWHERE!!!

[jackie55]

Great news that it's going to be a home tie:dance::dance:, pain about the date due to be on weeks holiday at Durham starting on 14 September, will have to see where the venue is going to be and hope that it is somewhere I can drive to and not too far from Durham !!

When will they have to say where the venue is going to be ?

[roytennisfan]

PI George St already sold out on Booking.com.

It could of course be played ANYWHERE!!!

I used PI Website to book

[RosieBear]

I've just managed to book a couple of rooms at PI George's Sq using direct website. Sally is of course right, it could be held anywhere but Emirates has the advantage of seemingly always being available....

[Teresa]

Will wait and see where it’s being held. If it’s the Emirates then I can stay in Edinburgh as usual. At least it’s a home tie. Would like to go if it’s going to be the final proper DC.

[goldfish]

Brilliant news - away on the following Monday so this gives us the time to go. Couldn't be more pleased as this gives us all chance for what might be a final DC outing.

[supergran]

Great that's it's Home tie. Now for the stress of venue and hotel bookings.

[JimmyG]

Deadline for venue announcement should be April 30th, although we've seen deadlines get extended before of course

[JimmyG]

Had a quick look at possible venues, this is what I've got so far

Contenders - Emirates Glasgow, Genting Birmingham, Newcastle Metro, Sheffield, CopperBox, Coventry Ricoh
Long shots - Aberdeen, Manchester Central, Wimbledon Court 2, Eastbourne
Unlikely (not enough time to build court) - Wembley Arena, Cardiff Motorpoint, SSE Hydro
Ruling out - Manchester Arena, Liverpool Echo, Birmingham Arena, The O2, Bolton, Leeds, Nottingham, Ally Pally

[MurrayAOne]

A home tie at last. �� Those days are on the calendar. ��

[patlowe]

I'm so over the moon about this! A DC at home! Glasgow would be good but I'll be there no matter where it is! I am so looking forward to catching up with everybody again. Feeling very perky now so that will definitely help me along with my chores. :GBflag:

[supergran]

Just booked PI George Square using official site.

[suttontennis]

Had a quick look at possible venues, this is what I've got so far

Contenders - Emirates Glasgow, Genting Birmingham, Newcastle Metro, Sheffield, CopperBox, Coventry Ricoh
Long shots - Aberdeen, Manchester Central, Wimbledon Court 2, Eastbourne
Unlikely (not enough time to build court) - Wembley Arena, Cardiff Motorpoint, SSE Hydro
Ruling out - Manchester Arena, Liverpool Echo, Birmingham Arena, The O2, Bolton, Leeds, Nottingham, Ally Pally

Braehead Arena ? It could clash with the Ice Hockey, but they don't normally turn down the opportunity, especially as the IH fixtures won't be known until August.

[jaysee]

Just booked PI George Square using official site.

Me too (but I hope it's further south!)

[Hawkeye]

Braehead Arena ? It could clash with the Ice Hockey, but they don't normally turn down the opportunity, especially as the IH fixtures won't be known until August.Braehead is too small nowadays. I'd like to see it in Copper Box myself, never been.

[lovetennis]

Sooooo chuffed it's a home tie. We defied the odds there didn't we! Don't mind if it's Glasgow, I like it so much I am there now - conference wifi comes in really handy when you have got a DC draw to checkup on. Going to research potential venues and cancellable hotels tonight but just super happy it is a home tie. The ITF will have made a decision by the time the tie rolls around so let's hope this tie won't be the last we play here

[Caro]

Woo Hoo! Can't believe we have a home tie! I have missed DC soooo much and cannot wait for this now. Don't care where it is, I will be there. Glasgow seems quite likely so have booked George Square PI along with a few others it seems ;)

[JerryD]

Woo Hoo! Can't believe we have a home tie! I have missed DC soooo much and cannot wait for this now. Don't care where it is, I will be there. Glasgow seems quite likely so have booked George Square PI along with a few others it seems ;)

I just booked a room there too. On the main site as Sally said no spaces on booking.com only one for KevD and I though as Yellowlivi is traveling to the states on 16th so would be ruled out of a Glasgow tie. For her sake I’m hoping for G mex in Manchester though it’s a looooonnnggg shot so she could at least see the Friday and Saturday. We will be flying back from the states the weekend before so Glasgow is fine for us.
I think Coventry Ricoh is likey too though, they could use the business. Maybe i’ll Look there too.

[JAMES4578]

Coventry Rioch was the venue for the 2013 comeback win over Russia, arena stands at side of dual carriageway though.

[Rosalind]

Copperbox please! no travelling or hotels then. However, will be there wherever - wonderful news it's a home tie.

[Silverdee]

Would the Copperbox be big enough?

[JimmyG]

Would the Copperbox be big enough?

I think so, it lists 6000 as the capacity for basketball.
Requirement for play-off is 4000 capacity

[Silverdee]

That venue would be great for me as able to travel there daily!

[Caro]

What's the copper box??

Coventry is fairly close for me. Can drive or get the train every day but it's horrible in terms of where it is. No-where to walk to to eat etc. Last time me and Gill stayed over on the Saturday to socialise which I think we would do again but I hope it's not there.

[themass15]

I would like it to be in Coventry or Birmingham as they are the only ones I have a chance of attending that weekend and then it would only be for one day

[JimmyG]

What's the copper box??

http://copperboxarena.org.uk/

[Silverdee]

And it’s available.

[lovetennis]

Copperbox is an interesting one, but I have a recollection that the LTA said a few years ago that they were keen to get DC out of London as it already has Wimbledon, the WTFs and Queens. They may change their mind of course :shrug: I think Glasgow, Coventry and Birmingham are favourites.

[GillyD]

Frankly Im happy to go anywhere in the UK if Caro and I can get tickets :-)

[glenys]

Home tie! woohooo :D

[Jan62]

This has made me so happy. A home tie finally, seems so long since we enjoyed one of those. I don't care where it is, days off work are booked and for once my advance booking of PI George Sq "just in case" has paid off! Hope we hear soon about venue confirmation

[Joyce]

P Inn George Sq booked. Fingers Xd!

[themass15]

CopperBox would also be good for me.

[Guerkins2]

Me too!

[exislander]

Glasgow for me!

[Linda]

Hope it's at Wimbledon! We had two September ties there a few years ago, with great weather on both occasions. And I really, really hope it's not in Glasgow yet again.

[JerryD]

Peter salter said on Facebook that Cardiff is the front runner right now. Not sure where he and the “we are Tennis Spanish colour wearing folk” are getting their info. And yes I’m still annoyed about that :) lol

[angiebabez]

London gets enough tennis!! Let's go Glasgow :dance::swingin::jitterbug::clap::shelebrate:

[JerryD]

London gets enough tennis!! Let's go Glasgow :dance::swingin::jitterbug::clap::shelebrate:

Glasgow gets enough Davis cup ;) lets go Wigan lol

[JimmyG]

Hope it's at Wimbledon! We had two September ties there a few years ago, with great weather on both occasions. And I really, really hope it's not in Glasgow yet again.

Unlikely I think due to the roof construction work for court 1

[JimmyG]

Moving Cardiff from unlikely to contender, there should be 3 full days available to build the court

Contenders - Glasgow Emirates, Genting Birmingham, Newcastle Metro, Sheffield FlyDSA, Cardiff Motorpoint, London CopperBox, Coventry Ricoh

[Hawkeye]

Wouldn't mind Cardiff, never been to Wales.

[goldfish]

Cardiff would be good for me

[lovetennis]

Just booked at Ibis Budget a short walk from Cardiff Arena. My booking.com account is looking a bit crowded

Re: Wimbledon, the Court 1 roof being built might not affect it - I was there last month to visit the museum and the building works are very confined to that end of the grounds. Court 2 is at the other end, so they could use gates towards that end. Enjoyed those Sept ties at Wimbledon in the past - we were awfully lucky with the weather. I suspect they won't chance it when there are indoor venues available

[Caro]

So that’s PIs booked at Glasgow and Cardiff. Hope it’s one of those. I’m happy with it being Glasgow again, I really like Glasgow! Or Cardiff would be great too.

Just hope it’s not Coventry even though I’m local. And not keen on the Genting (NEC) in Brum either. And besides I want a weekend away

[Passionanda]

So that’s PIs booked at Glasgow and Cardiff. Hope it’s one of those. I’m happy with it being Glasgow again, I really like Glasgow! Or Cardiff would be great too.

Just hope it’s not Coventry even though I’m local. And not keen on the Genting (NEC) in Brum either. And besides I want a weekend away
Glasgow would obviously be great for me but I’d be just as happy to go to Cardiff for the chance of another great Davis Cup extravaganza weekend!! :party: :cheer: :jitterbug: :clap:

[JerryD]

Just booked at Ibis Budget a short walk from Cardiff Arena. My booking.com account is looking a bit crowded

Re: Wimbledon, the Court 1 roof being built might not affect it - I was there last month to visit the museum and the building works are very confined to that end of the grounds. Court 2 is at the other end, so they could use gates towards that end. Enjoyed those Sept ties at Wimbledon in the past - we were awfully lucky with the weather. I suspect they won't chance it when there are indoor venues available

Have you stayed in an ibis budget before? I ask because it’s not to everyone’s taste. The bathrooms are very similar to what you find in caravan, it’s moulded plastic not porcelain. The bathrooms are like one plastic room. KevD wasn’t bothered too much, I wasn’t overly keen but it was a good price but Yellowlivi in particular hated them. It’s a marmite type thing I think. Just a heads up anyway. I’ve not stayed in the one in Cardiff but I have in Salford and barking and they are all the same design. We stay in the standard ibis with Liv now.

Anyway I guess I should book a Cardiff hotel then :( which hopefully I don’t use.

[JerryD]

So that’s PIs booked at Glasgow and Cardiff. Hope it’s one of those. I’m happy with it being Glasgow again, I really like Glasgow! Or Cardiff would be great too.

Just hope it’s not Coventry even though I’m local. And not keen on the Genting (NEC) in Brum either. And besides I want a weekend away

I liked the genting. There was far more suitable food available than in the Emirates. I think liv survived on a bag of crisps one day. Lol.

[lovetennis]

Have you stayed in an ibis budget before? I ask because it’s not to everyone’s taste. The bathrooms are very similar to what you find in caravan, it’s moulded plastic not porcelain. The bathrooms are like one plastic room. KevD wasn’t bothered too much, I wasn’t overly keen but it was a good price but Yellowlivi in particular hated them. It’s a marmite type thing I think. Just a heads up anyway. I’ve not stayed in the one in Cardiff but I have in Salford and barking and they are all the same design. We stay in the standard ibis with Liv now.

Anyway I guess I should book a Cardiff hotel then :( which hopefully I don’t use.

Thanks for the tip-off, I've never stayed in one before. Will take a VERY close look at the photos on the website and investigate other options.

[lovetennis]

Changed my booking to the ordinary Ibis rather than Ibis budget. The budget one didn't have a separate bathroom - shower cubicle is next to the bed, sink in the bedroom. Goodness knows where the toilet is, they didn't show that on the photos

[exislander]

Have you stayed in an ibis budget before? I ask because it’s not to everyone’s taste. The bathrooms are very similar to what you find in caravan, it’s moulded plastic not porcelain. The bathrooms are like one plastic room. KevD wasn’t bothered too much, I wasn’t overly keen but it was a good price but Yellowlivi in particular hated them. It’s a marmite type thing I think. Just a heads up anyway. I’ve not stayed in the one in Cardiff but I have in Salford and barking and they are all the same design. We stay in the standard ibis with Liv now.
Anyway I guess I should book a Cardiff hotel then :( which hopefully I don’t use.

I am staying in Ibis Budget in Melbourne next week. It had varying reviews online so I am not expecting too much....but it IS a low price.
Cardiff is a nice city with an interesting castle with a Bute connection!

[RosieBear]

Cardiff would be great - really hope it is there. Have said many times that DC needs to be moved around to give more people a chance. Plus Cardiff is brilliantly located - fantastically easy transports links plus easy access to Bristol, Bath, Cotswolds etc for those looking to build their trip out a little.

[pabbers]

I'd be over the moon if it's Cardiff. Could change my Portugal flight and follow Mr P later. Sally..... there's a bed going spare chez moi!

[JerryD]

Changed my booking to the ordinary Ibis rather than Ibis budget. The budget one didn't have a separate bathroom - shower cubicle is next to the bed, sink in the bedroom. Goodness knows where the toilet is, they didn't show that on the photos

Yeah that’s the part I forgot to mention the sinks are in the bedroom part not the bathroom.. So it’s not nice after you’ve been the loo. It wasn’t bad for a cheap stay but I know Liv absolutely hated that set up. Everyone is different though. When we asked the guy in barking about it he said they find some hate it and complain and some like it. My bigger concern was the lack of a kettle lol :)

I’ve been to Cardiff a number of times, it always takes a million years to get there and there’s a lot of being parked on the M4 especially if everyone else is headed to an event too. Millenium stadium was the worst though. I guess as this stadium takes less people at least there’s not tens of thousands heading there too. I think Cardiff will make it harder for Liv to come. Wonder if there’s an arena in Blackpool. It’s tacky but it’s close and cheap lol

[JerryD]

Cardiff would be great - really hope it is there. Have said many times that DC needs to be moved around to give more people a chance. Plus Cardiff is brilliantly located - fantastically easy transports links plus easy access to Bristol, Bath, Cotswolds etc for those looking to build their trip out a little.

You are right that it should move around more. But coming on the backom an expensive holiday and being hard for Liv to get to I vote selfishly this time and hope for as close and cheap as possible. I’ll be on the side of fairness next year when Liv is free and I have more money lol

[lovetennis]

You are right that it should move around more. But coming on the backom an expensive holiday and being hard for Liv to get to I vote selfishly this time and hope for as close and cheap as possible. I’ll be on the side of fairness next year when Liv is free and I have more money lol

Yes I'm the same. Had to sacrifice going to the Spanish tie due to the expense but no way that I'm not going to this one. Glasgow will be cheaper than Cardiff for me - very cheap train fare and easy journey, hotels are slightly cheaper too. But hey ho, I'm so chuffed it's at home let's face it I'll go anywhere :GBflag:

[exislander]

Yes I'm the same. Had to sacrifice going to the Spanish tie due to the expense but no way that I'm not going to this one. Glasgow will be cheaper than Cardiff for me - very cheap train fare and easy journey, hotels are slightly cheaper too. But hey ho, I'm so chuffed it's at home let's face it I'll go anywhere :GBflag:

For me Glasgow is cheapest because I need only 2 hotel nights and anywhere else would be 4 nights but I will go wherever it is. I have booked PI George Square but will wait for venue confirmation before any more bookings. So I could then do the usually cheaper non-cancellable booking. I just hope it is announced in time to take advantage of cheap advance rail fares!

[Genbrit]

So, so happy for all of you. It seemed the odds were stacked against a home time and we won. Will be great for everyone to be together, will look forward to watching and spotting you all and chanting from afar. If it's Cardiff would be very tempting with my son living close by, but won't happen as saving for a wedding over there next year. :)

[goldfish]

My son lives just outside Cardiff too - win win for us as we'd get to see the family and they might even choose to come.

[Sallydaisy]

I'd be over the moon if it's Cardiff. Could change my Portugal flight and follow Mr P later. Sally..... there's a bed going spare chez moi!
:thumbup:
erm, just in case I've cancellable bookings in Glasgow and Birmingham ...
(and there's a flight from Glasgow to Faro on Monday 17th Sept jet2com £49, departing 06.40hrs)
:whistle:

[jagmad]

Coventry Ricoh.

[Sallydaisy]

Coventry Ricoh.
Outside bet or something we should know?
;)

PS. I hope not - not many hotels and nothing much at the Arena!

[JerryD]

So it’s cardiff as the word from we are Tennis. Glasgow as the word from bats and Pete saying Cov for the Forum. Still hoping for gmex lol

[Sallydaisy]

Cardiff missed out last year so perhaps the LTA might be tempted to go there instead of Glasgow?
I can't remember there EVER being a DC tie in Wales so it could be a first!!!
And interesting - Cardiff has a lot to offer. Nude cyclists for starters!

[WimbledonWestie]

Initial investigations suggest I can't get to and from Cardiff in between work so am selfishly hoping it's not chosen.

[lovetennis]

Cardiff missed out last year so perhaps the LTA might be tempted to go there instead of Glasgow?
I can't remember there EVER being a DC tie in Wales so it could be a first!!!
And interesting - Cardiff has a lot to offer. Nude cyclists for starters!

:shocked:

[Jan62]

I've added Coventry to my list of cancellable bookings, so that's Coventry, Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff and London all covered. Sincerely hope its not somewhere else, my booking.com list is quite long!

[Guerkins2]

The arena in Cardiff looks very central so easy to get to from the train station, hotels & for socialising ��

[jagmad]

Outside bet or something we should know?
;)

PS. I hope not - not many hotels and nothing much at the Arena!

No Just me being skeptical.

We got a home tie against the odds so somethings gotta go wrong. Right?

Anywhere will be fine really, cos it's bound to be a good weekend ain't it?

[jagmad]

Cardiff missed out last year so perhaps the LTA might be tempted to go there instead of Glasgow?
Cardiff has a lot to offer. Nude cyclists for starters!

See I told you somethings gotta go wrong!!
:laugh:

[JerryD]

It will be a great weekend regardless :)

[jagmad]

It will be a great weekend regardless :)

Nude cyclists or not!

[jaysee]

For me Glasgow is cheapest because I need only 2 hotel nights and anywhere else would be 4 nights but I will go wherever it is. I have booked PI George Square but will wait for venue confirmation before any more bookings. So I could then do the usually cheaper non-cancellable booking. I just hope it is announced in time to take advantage of cheap advance rail fares!
The reverse for me! Glasgow would be 4 nights but Cardiff only 2 ;)

[JerryD]

Looking forward to another forum dinner on the Saturday. When it’s Glasgow ;p lol :) I guess we already have proven meal planners on the ground :) i’ll Sort it if it’s manchester Gmex lol

[Sallydaisy]

Looking forward to another forum dinner on the Saturday. When it’s Glasgow ;p lol :) I guess we already have proven meal planners on the ground :) i’ll Sort it if it’s manchester Gmex lol
There might be a contender for Cardiff organiser ... name beginning P.
:whistle:

[AllyB]

There might be a contender for Cardiff organiser ... name beginning P.
:whistle:

Do you really want a nude cyclist organising your meal? Or have I misinterpreted some of the posts?

[Hawkeye]

:shudder:

[angiebabez]

Looking forward to another forum dinner on the Saturday. When it’s Glasgow ;p lol :) I guess we already have proven meal planners on the ground :) i’ll Sort it if it’s manchester Gmex lol

I done it last time..over to someone else if it is Glasgow ;)

[jagmad]

I done it last time..over to someone else if it is Glasgow ;)

You don't want me organizing it if it's in Cardiff?

It would have to be McDonalds in a Gym all on bikes and clothes are not optional.
:big grin:

[tinawatt]

Peter salter said on Facebook that Cardiff is the front runner right now. Not sure where he and the “we are Tennis Spanish colour wearing folk” are getting their info. And yes I’m still annoyed about that :) lol

Me too Jerry, I'd forgotten about that. It was really odd.

[tinawatt]

Which PI is everyone booking into in Cardiff? Gone back a few pages (as I didn't pay enough attention as it was all happening) and now I can't find the info!

[angiebabez]

Which PI is everyone booking into in Cardiff? Gone back a few pages (as I didn't pay enough attention as it was all happening) and now I can't find the info!

City centre I think

[tinawatt]

Thanks Ang. That's Cardiff City Centre PI booked. Roll on the announcement!

[JerryD]

Thinking I should have booke din Birmingham too. Have many others booked there?

[Linda]

I haven't booked anywhere. I never do until we know where it is - I'd never remember to cancel all the ones I didn't need.

[lovetennis]

Thinking I should have booke din Birmingham too. Have many others booked there?

I've booked Birmingham, Cardiff & Glasgow. Anywhere else I'll book once it's announced

[Hawkeye]

I haven't booked anywhere. I never do until we know where it is - I'd never remember to cancel all the ones I didn't need.I've never understood the rush to book everywhere, if I'm honest.

[JerryD]

We didn’t for 2015. Ended up missing out on all habitable places in our price range and paying over the odds to stay in Coatbridge. In 2016 we ended up in a hotel right next to the airport. Coatbridge at least wasn’t too bad, at least there was a spoons over the road for cheap beer lol.

Tina - as we aren’t playing Spain I wonder whether we are Tennis will think red appropriate this time? I asked a guy in the bar who was with them because I assumed they were left over shirts from France. They weren’t! They were supplied with fresh red shirts and told to wear them :) ?? Lol

[Stell]

I agree with Hawkeye, as I never book anything until the venue is announced. If they choose Cardiff, I'll book Village Hotel Cardiff (which has a spa and an indoor swimming pool). If they choose Birmingham, I'll book somewhere on the Hagley Road. If they choose Glasgow, I'll book Travelodge Glasgow Braehead (as it isn't very far from the M8). I, vaguely, remember they choose the Bolton Arena in 2011 for our tie against Tunisia and Coventry for our tie against Russia in 2013.

[RosieBear]

I'm sure it's possible to get something reasonable even if folk choose to wait, I book early because I like to be in the same hotel as lots of other AMFFers and see each other at brekkie, walk to and from venue together etc. And some city centre PIs do sell out.

[JAMES4578]

Don't think I've ever booked any more than a few places beforehand, haven't organised anything so far this time (though atm not a definite for every possible venue)

[Linda]

I did get caught out not long ago when the PI in Glasgow was sold out so I had to pay a lot more for the Millennium. Then I was very cross when rooms became available at the PI at the last minute, but too late for me to cancel the Millennium. So if folks do book rooms they don't need, please cancel them as soon as you can!

[RosieBear]

I did get caught out not long ago when the PI in Glasgow was sold out so I had to pay a lot more for the Millennium. Then I was very cross when rooms became available at the PI at the last minute, but too late for me to cancel the Millennium. So if folks do book rooms they don't need, please cancel them as soon as you can!

How annoying :sad: doubt it was particularly influenced by AMFFers though, Linda - they would have been cancelling bookings in other cities and holding onto to Glasgow.

But yes I agree, for the sake of non-DC travellers to other cities I release my unwanted bookings asap.

[tinawatt]

We didn’t for 2015. Ended up missing out on all habitable places in our price range and paying over the odds to stay in Coatbridge. In 2016 we ended up in a hotel right next to the airport. Coatbridge at least wasn’t too bad, at least there was a spoons over the road for cheap beer lol.

Tina - as we aren’t playing Spain I wonder whether we are Tennis will think red appropriate this time? I asked a guy in the bar who was with them because I assumed they were left over shirts from France. They weren’t! They were supplied with fresh red shirts and told to wear them :) ?? Lol


Jerry, How strange. Maybe they were trying to be controversial. I'm never going to get over that. Or the no toilet roll rule in Serbia!

[roytennisfan]

We didn’t for 2015. Ended up missing out on all habitable places in our price range and paying over the odds to stay in Coatbridge. In 2016 we ended up in a hotel right next to the airport. Coatbridge at least wasn’t too bad, at least there was a spoons over the road for cheap beer lol.

Tina - as we aren’t playing Spain I wonder whether we are Tennis will think red appropriate this time? I asked a guy in the bar who was with them because I assumed they were left over shirts from France. They weren’t! They were supplied with fresh red shirts and told to wear them :) ?? Lol

Jerry We had 2 staying in our hotel outside Marbella, they said the Red shirts were sent by mistake, they had old blue ones with them and were very annoyed about the red ones because they were told they all had to wear the same colour so they couldn't wear the blue ones. It was very embarrassing/annoying

[Hawkeye]

Feel so sorry for the rent-a-fans.

[WimbledonWestie]

No toilet roll rule?

[Hawkeye]

Yes. There was no toilet rolls in the toilets, because we couldn't be trusted not to throw it or set fire to it. Wouldn't let us bring our own either.

[supergran]

I remember toilet rolls in the Ladies on the first day in Serbia. At least we could wash our hands unlike Marbella. Horrid portaloos and no sinks.

[jagmad]

Bet it was awe full as the programs were like Izal

Pfff who remembers Izal?

1376

[Alis]

I do!! :thumbup:

[jagmad]

I do!! :thumbup:

Luxury.
We had to make do with the Radio Times.

[Stell]

I remember Izal, as my grandparents (my mum's parents) always used to buy it.

[suttontennis]

did they charge to use the loos like they did for the final in Ghent. (I can't believe I'm joining in with this !!)

[Caro]

Jerry We had 2 staying in our hotel outside Marbella, they said the Red shirts were sent by mistake, they had old blue ones with them and were very annoyed about the red ones because they were told they all had to wear the same colour so they couldn't wear the blue ones. It was very embarrassing/annoying


Feel so sorry for the rent-a-fans.

My heart bleeds for them Hawkeye ... I wonder if they still get free tickets ... they probably do, otherwise, you would think someone, at least one of them would have told the leader where to go re: wearing red shirts when the team colour was so obviously blue!! I'd have been tempted anyway, free tickets or not!! It was ridiculous

[glenys]

Late to the party as always!

I'm on Jan's list ;) we have several PI's booked including right near the Copperbox in London. Just gotta remember to cancel the damn thing if it's not there, especially after the hassle I had trying to book the flipping thing in the first place LOL

[JerryD]

I'm sure it's possible to get something reasonable even if folk choose to wait, I book early because I like to be in the same hotel as lots of other AMFFers and see each other at brekkie, walk to and from venue together etc. And some city centre PIs do sell out.

That’s another advantage of booking early :) especially when there’s a lovely forumer who lets you borrow her camera charger when you were daft enough to forget yours lol

[JerryD]

Jerry We had 2 staying in our hotel outside Marbella, they said the Red shirts were sent by mistake, they had old blue ones with them and were very annoyed about the red ones because they were told they all had to wear the same colour so they couldn't wear the blue ones. It was very embarrassing/annoying

It’s just what the guy in the bar told me. He said all he knew was they instructed to wear them by peter who wasn’t even there, along with other stuff that made me happy I am forumer and not wearenttennis. The guy I spoke to didn’t understand why people hadn’t taken along old blue ones as he had but then not used. All had to wear the same colour because it looks better on tv regardless of which team you are supporting.

[jagmad]

Is that right?
fellow Scot Cameron Norrie performed heroics in the absence of both the former world No 1 and Kyle Edmund during that defeat by Spain earlier this year.

Read more at: https://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/davis-cup-clash-with-uzbekistan-could-come-to-glasgow-1-4721840

[Stell]

I like to think Birmingham and Glasgow as the LTA's comfort zones, as they usually choose one of them.

[JAMES4578]

Is that right?
fellow Scot Cameron Norrie performed heroics in the absence of both the former world No 1 and Kyle Edmund during that defeat by Spain earlier this year.

Read more at: https://www.scotsman.com/sport/tennis/davis-cup-clash-with-uzbekistan-could-come-to-glasgow-1-4721840

Father is scottish, I've put more on his own thread.