View Full Version : PIQUE Davis Cup 2019, 18-24th November MADRID, WORLD GROUP THREAD
GREAT REACTION FROM ANDY!!!...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJ_yZaNXsAAt3Zy?format=jpg&name=small
:GBflag:
Rooting for Dan now. A pretty solid start. Hope he keeps mixing it up and keeping Struff guessing all the time.
First set to Dan :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :GBflag:
One set away, as Dan wins the first set 7 - 6 (8 - 6).
Evooooo!!!!
Radio commentary went off at crucial moment. App is useless.
But GB are a set up!!!!
JAMES4578
22-11-2019, 19:33
Dan dug deep to take the set , looked like he may have lost initiatived earlier. Impressive at end but still long way to go of course.
Keep cool Dan. You can do this.
Oh please not again Dan.
Although it's quite funny watching Andy riding the roller coaster.
:coaster::coaster::coaster:
Struff breaks the Evans serve, 3 - 4.
Struff wins the second set 6 - 3.
Dan working hard to keep in this. I guess Struff is too!
Dan saves two break points to make it 2 - 2.
LC the fan
22-11-2019, 20:21
Dan is really playing pretty well, some great shots, and lobs that Andy would have been proud of
LC the fan
22-11-2019, 20:21
Just love that backhand down the line
Russell Fuller announces that Nadal has won the first set 6 - 1.
Dan makes it 5 - 5, as Nadal races away with the second set in his match.
LC the fan
22-11-2019, 20:45
Dan giving as good as he gets here, just a bit more and a stroke of luck
Dan playing his little socks off. C’mon Dan! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
JAMES4578
22-11-2019, 20:50
Certainly been tough battle, TB to decide it-come on Dan! 3-0 GB
Come on Dan ...... You Can Do It!!!!!!.....:GBflag:
:cheer: heart going out to Evo!
Sallydaisy
22-11-2019, 20:54
Evo 4-2 at the change of ends
Sallydaisy
22-11-2019, 20:54
Match point at 6-2
Dan gets the win....absolutely brilliant. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :GBflag:
Match point at 6-2
You’re way ahead of me Sally!
Sallydaisy
22-11-2019, 20:55
:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:
Dan Evans does it!
Great Britain through to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup with a 2-0 victory against Germany.
Play Spain or Argentina tomorrow night
Oh my I’m smiling and shouting even though it hasn’t happened on my tv yet!!
Dan oh Dan oh Dan oh Dan!! :worship:
Wow wow wow!!!!!!!
(Just a shame it wasn't on the Beeb)
And Dan celebrates like he's just won his 1st Grand slam.
Absolutely brilliant and wonderful.
Really well done the Man
As Dan and Leon celebrate, with the rest of the team, Nadal wins his match 6 - 2.
Oh great. Radio doesn't have time for the interview :grrr:
roytennisfan
22-11-2019, 21:00
Terrific win for Dan, that wasn't easy, really had to dig in. Third time lucky for Dan after his rarlier losses. Struff was a really tough oponent, Dan played so well that final set especially
Just Brilliant for Dan!!!.....Well Done, Well Done!!!!... so pleased for him!!!:thumbup::GBflag::GBflag:
Excellent Dan. I had to hide throughout the tie break. He needed that.
Hopefully AM will be ready for the Semi.
roytennisfan
22-11-2019, 21:01
Wow wow wow!!!!!!!
(Just a shame it wasn't on the Beeb)
Yep watched in local David Lloyds, glad they can help
I assume they won’t play the Doubles?
JAMES4578
22-11-2019, 21:05
Fabulous breaker, thought Struff faded a bit at end- well done Dan and GB! :clap::clap::clap: Into the semi, confirmed there will be no Doubles. Maybe not too surprising but still disappointing even if the victory assured.
I’ll remember the reactions of Dan and Leon after this epic win for a very long time! It meant so very much. Tears of pure joy!
Bravo Dan. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Tremendous win. I loved his celebration! I think he's a very happy bunny! Kyle and Dan both heroes today. So happy for them both. They'll feel so much better about themselves now. Been travelling all day today so had to keep in touch via livescores. Managed to see most if Dan's match. I hope Andy has an idea now what we fans go through! Judging by his reactions, I think he does! :GBflag:
So another lovely afternoon and evening of sitting on the sofa watching tennis tomorrow! What a treat!
Just watched Russia V Croatia and well I thought they'd stolen Andy's coaster.
It was deffo Joker's arm that lost it for them.
exislander
22-11-2019, 23:09
Dan was magnificent today! It was really great to see his reaction at the end. For me it completely wiped out his previous two matches. I could barely breathe during the last two points! Now into the semi against ???? And GB assured of a place in finals next year so no March tie to qualify.
So we play Rafa's crew.
:GBflag:
david1610
23-11-2019, 00:25
ok.......???!
A. Just got back and saw this.
Well. put it like this... I got on a plane and booked tickets mainly to see Andy but very very happy to support GB. I was not expecting this coming into the court early and at least see him practising for ten minutes ridiculously close up was icing on the cake. Wish I had lost my reserve and wished him well going forward.
B. Another wonderful day. This time I was sat with a group of ten from a tennis club and boy did we shout and cheer. Kyle has looked really, but really focused yesterday and today (well what was today). Early on against Kohlschreiber it seemed like forehand v backhand but there was only lovely point where Kyle out-backhanded Phillip. When Kohlschreiber made a bad error one of the group shouted out "Wunderbar, Phillip" and he turned round and gave a very disdainful look and proceeded to ace Kyle.
Dan... was amazing. The first (service) game by Struff must have taken less than a minute and we all gulped. Then Dan had break points in the second. Then near the end of the set he broke with a wonderful game but unfortunately was broken straight back. But came through in the TB. The second seemed like Struff had been stung into action and it was a less even set of tennis. In the third, Dan sometimes seemed to be hanging on to his serve, would get a point on Struff's serve, then the first serve machine started up. Dan also seemed to be mentally tiring in the second half of the third. He was increasingly beating himself up for any UEs and I think the mental effort of having to focus on getting returns back against that serve was taking its toll. Being there made me realise just how aware Dan is of everything going on around the court and how he wants to comment on it! He did amazingly to take it to a UE then played at a completely different level to Struff in it. It was so so wonderful to see how much it meant to him and his happiness and the rest of the GB team's joy in both the result and for Dan
And so on to the Semi final!
david1610
23-11-2019, 00:54
https://www.facebook.com/thelta1/
Here is the Facebook post from the lta offering up to four free tickets per person... first come first served.
"We're into the Davis Cup semi-finals in Madrid and we want you here!"
Email daviscupfinals@lta.org.uk by 11:00 GMT and you can get up to 4 free tickets per person to cheer on our GB Team in our semi-final Saturday at 16:30 GMT #BackTheBrits ����
I know most of us are not in Madrid but if you are or near or know anybody who would like to support the team....
david1610
23-11-2019, 02:44
Excuse multiple posts but I have received a reply from the LTA. I have four tickets in my name waiting for me at the ticket office. If anybody wants one or more of the other three and has not been successful emailing and applying for tickets, you can put a message here (preferably on this thread as I find it difficult to navigate to personal messages here on my phone) and we can arrange a time to meet! Though not until p.m.!
Otherwise I will offer them to Brits in the ticket queue! ;)
David, so glad you got to see Andy and the team. I had to follow live scores yesterday & today as I was out and about, but managed to see Dan in that final tiebreaker and his excitement at winning. Was such a joy to watch. What a great day and even better free tickets for you tomorrow. Enjoy.
themass15
23-11-2019, 07:41
Great win and everyone in Madrid today enjoy!!!!
I've heard the LTA are now giving away free tickets. We would have to send them an email, before 11am today, and then get to Madrid before 4.30pm (17.30pm). No ideas!!
Isn’t that what we all said would happen? People couldn’t afford a whole week - money or time wise, and wouldn’t buy tickets just in case their team didn’t get through.
I am sorry that our team won’t get the support, but this is a consequence of messing with an excellent format. Nothing more than the organisers deserve.
exislander
23-11-2019, 08:24
Isn’t that what we all said would happen? People couldn’t afford a whole week - money or time wise, and wouldn’t buy tickets just in case their team didn’t get through.
I am sorry that our team won’t get the support, but this is a consequence of messing with an excellent format. Nothing more than the organisers deserve.
Speak for yourself Theresa. For me, travel costs same for 3or 6 days, 2
Of us have cheap apt and are really enjoying being here and supporting the team. I do see that people maybe couldn’t take all week off work, but I never thought would see so many players from other countries play live. Also this is one for 6 days not 4weekends of 4 days and 4 times travel costs. Off out now to see some of Madrid!
Rosalind
23-11-2019, 08:45
I agree with you Teresa. I have my own business. I have thought and rethought about this. But I simply couldn't shut my business down for a 8 days ( sunday to monday) hoping we would have more than two days tennis. Ridiculous.
What does the winning team get at the end of the not-the-Davis-Cup tournament? Not the magnificent Davis Cup, I hope.
This is all making me very wistful and a bit sad too. Sad because I think it is such a shame not to have home and away matches and wistful because I enjoyed the old format so much. When I think of how we scrambled to get tickets for previous ties and now to get support, they are giving them away! I can see that having all the countries there gives folks a chance to see other players, and there might be some (only a little!) merit in new format, but my heart is not totally in it. To those who are there, shout your wee heads off today and enjoy. Going to be hard with all the home Spanish support.
Speak for yourself Theresa. For me, travel costs same for 3or 6 days, 2
Of us have cheap apt and are really enjoying being here and supporting the team. I do see that people maybe couldn’t take all week off work, but I never thought would see so many players from other countries play live. Also this is one for 6 days not 4weekends of 4 days and 4 times travel costs. Off out now to see some of Madrid!
I am glad you are enjoying it, and I can see where you are coming from, but it’s still not for me. I liked the different places. I also liked the fact if we didn’t progress you didn’t have to spend money. It is probably me. I am only really interested in AM and the Brits, not tennis per say. I don’t like the new format. I think it’s lost something without the reverse singles. I don’t really like the 3 sets, but can completely understand why they have done that. Horses for courses I guess.
JAMES4578
23-11-2019, 12:39
Whilst I have enjoyed watching GB seen very little of the others thus far, just seen a bit of the Serbia Doubles when they lost to Russia, Not Dc to me, though may watch final whether GB there or not. Whilst happy got to semis means there will definitely be no home tie next year either. See they're talking about shorter format for the doubles as well (ie match breaker and not 3rd) which would be awful in my view even if it happens at other events! Know some folk who were not that interested previously may go over this weekend though, personally would not consider it (challenging logistically/financially at last minute anyway). However hope those who are there enjoy it and gave GB great support in tough tie with Spain.
Whilst I have enjoyed watching GB seen very little of the others thus far, just seen a bit of the Serbia Doubles when they lost to Russia, Not Dc to me, though may watch final whether GB there or not. Whilst happy got to semis means there will definitely be no home tie next year either. See they're talking about shorter format for the doubles as well (ie match breaker and not 3rd) which would be awful in my view even if it happens at other events! Know some folk who were not that interested previously may go over this weekend though, personally would not consider it (challenging logistically/financially at last minute anyway). However hope those who are there enjoy it and gave GB great support in tough tie with Spain.
Agree completely.
Rosalind
23-11-2019, 13:00
Isn’t that what we all said would happen? People couldn’t afford a whole week - money or time wise, and wouldn’t buy tickets just in case their team didn’t get through.
I am sorry that our team won’t get the support, but this is a consequence of messing with an excellent format. Nothing more than the organisers deserve.
Money may or may not be equivalent. swings and roundabouts I think there however time/effort - not contest. I would have to let down businesses who deal with me and damage reputation, cancel clients who are likely to have no understanding (and why should they?!) because we didn't know until late when we were playing. If I went now : drop family, leave pets, rush to get hotels when I'm not sure of logistics, sort flights in a blind panic, sort other transport, grab costumes to watch what potentially could be a few hours. Dream on!
exislander
23-11-2019, 13:40
Money may or may not be equivalent. swings and roundabouts I think there however time/effort - not contest. I would have to let down businesses who deal with me and damage reputation, cancel clients who are likely to have no understanding (and why should they?!) because we didn't know until late when we were playing. If I went now : drop family, leave pets, rush to get hotels when I'm not sure of logistics, sort flights in a blind panic, sort other transport, grab costumes to watch what potentially could be a few hours. Dream on!
Some of those reasons are exactly why I decided to come for the whole week and would probably not have spent money on rounds beyond the group if we had not got through. Madrid is a big city(like London) with lots to do for someone like me who does not live in a major city. However, I do understand the problems of family and pet commitments for many of you, like going on holiday you would have to pre plan and obviously you would not do that at short notice.
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 14:02
It was always going to be a fundamental flaw that many fans would not stay beyond the round robin stage due to the challenges of cost and/or time. Like Rosalind I would find it impossible to take a full week off work at this time of year - I took 3 days off to go to Ghent and that was very challenging for my work commitments but as it seemed like a once in a lifetime event I put up with the stress it caused. I just couldn't contemplate taking a week off in November every year to go to Madrid.
Such irony in the LTA having to give away tickets after the battle we all went through to get tickets to Ghent. Fair play to the LTA for doing it, but the organisers surely didn't set up this event to just give tickets away. DC in this format simply won't survive in the long term unless attendance improves over the next few years
I confess I did cave and watch the QF last night - how lucky my Eurosportplayer subs expires in a few days time - at least Pique didn't get any money out of me :thumbup: . As usual the Brits there gave it their all but it was sad to see empty seats. Kyle and Dan really stepped up the plate - well done them. The SF is going to be a tough one - I guess the arena will be full for this one with the home interest and Rafa playing
LC the fan
23-11-2019, 14:20
What will they do about GB team. ? Their tails are all up now, although Spain must have the upper hand.
Can’t see that Andy will be ready to face Rafa yet.
exislander
23-11-2019, 14:31
What will they do about GB team. ? Their tails are all up now, although Spain must have the upper hand.
Can’t see that Andy will be ready to face Rafa yet.
Andy cannot playRafa because he is currently the number two to either Kyle or Dan.
Team is unchanged for the semi.
banskogirl
23-11-2019, 16:30
I have to say, again, I am loving the tennis! I have put the annoyances of Pique etc behind me to just enjoy the tennis. Whether or not I watch doesn't change the rest! Having said that I'm sure the free tickets will speak a quiet voice to those wanting to remind the organisers of the faults of the new layout. But... ..........
Wow Dan!!!!!! You beauty :jitterbug::swingin::bravo: I am so, really, pleased for him. Good win for Kyle too of course, he made it look quite easy!
Now for today......Spain! Well I'm going for #alwaysbelieve but would prefer if Andy was playing. Is it rankings that mean he can't play? I thought he could?
Ready for a :sofa: but that's what the icon is for, go the Brits!
He simply hasn't been picked, banskogirl.
I just find it so sad, that not so long ago it wouldn’t have been about being picked. If he wanted to play he would have done regardless.
Anyone think the plan is for Kyle to try to beat Carreno Busta, and Dan to knacker Nadal as much as possible to give Murray and Skupski a chance to try and take the Doubles?
Winners will play Canada in the final.
banskogirl
23-11-2019, 16:55
He simply hasn't been picked, banskogirl.
Thanks Hawkeye :) thought that initially but then thought it was ranking from post above!
What that post meant that no matter who was picked, Andy couldn't play Rafa. Unless they put Jamie or Neal out as the first single...
PCB out, Kyle will play Feliciano Lopez instead.
Almost the perfect start, Kyle up a break already!
Great to see Kyle playing so well.
jackie55
23-11-2019, 17:32
Good luck Kyle, fingers crossed he can get the win....... Do we know why Andy isn't playing, hopefully it isn't an injury and just because Kyle and Dan have played so well
WooHoo Kyle! Brilliant confident start! :GBflag:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 17:41
Great first set from Kyle
Sticking to my guns, won't try 4 tomorrow even if we win today
Wow - first to Kyle already!! 6 - 3.:GBflag::GBflag::GBflag:
Hooray!! Keep this up please Kyle!
:GBflag:
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 17:43
First set to Kyle :GBflag:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 17:43
Good luck Kyle, fingers crossed he can get the win....... Do we know why Andy isn't playing, hopefully it isn't an injury and just because Kyle and Dan have played so well
Kyle was the better bet, Andy nowhere near fit, obviously Rafa will win so have to win the opening match to get to the doubles
Rosalind
23-11-2019, 17:48
Great first set from Kyle
Sticking to my guns, won't try 4 tomorrow even if we win today
good for you and me neither.... but I may have to sign up to Prime and Eurosport. :surrender:
Wow! Well held Kyle. :clap:
Second set TB. Kyle is 1 out of 12 all year...
I’m really loving this cool-as-you-like unemotional confident business-like Kyle!!
Fantastic win for Kyle - well done! !:cheer::cheer::cheer: :GBflag: :GBflag:
Feel a bit sorry for Lopez having to play with very little notice.
:GBflag::GBflag::GBflag:
Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!
:clap: :clap: Kyle Kyle Kyle :GBflag: :GBflag:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 18:36
Terrific win by Kyle
Who is this new hero Kyle Edmond??
:big grin: Now Evo can go out there and just go for broke playing some of his most charismatic tennis! C’mon Dan!
Fantastic play & result for Kyle!!!.......Big Well Done!!...#BacktheBrits :GBflag:
Good Luck Dan!!!! :GBflag:
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 18:39
Well done Kyle. Nice to see him turning around a forgettable year for him :GBflag:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 18:40
good for you and me neither.... but I may have to sign up to Prime and Eurosport. :surrender:
Watching in David Lloyds, used to have eurosport for a couple of slams
Great performance by Kyle.
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 18:40
Second set TB. Kyle is 1 out of 12 all year...
Lucky 13 then, terrific TB from Kyle
Fantastic Kyle! He has been an absolute hero this week. So happy for him! And for the team too. :GBflag:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 18:42
Fantastic win for Kyle - well done! !:cheer::cheer::cheer: :GBflag: :GBflag:
Feel a bit sorry for Lopez having to play with very little notice.
Wonder if it was planned with no Andy abd to upset Kyle's preparation. Sorry I'm a conspiracy theorist.
jackie55
23-11-2019, 18:44
Well done, Kyle.... Great win:dance:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 18:46
Well done Kyle. Nice to see him turning around a forgettable year for him :GBflag:
At one stage i thought he wouldn't even make the team and ot was a bit tough on Cam that he wasn't selected.His ra king has plummeted with all those losses
Feli Lopez listed to play doubles instead of Marc Lopez, although that can easily change again.
banskogirl
23-11-2019, 18:50
Wonder if it was planned with no Andy abd to upset Kyle's preparation. Sorry I'm a conspiracy theorist.
think that's what others thought but Feli looked less happy than Kyle about it!
Well done Kyle :bravo:
Now for Dan :cheer:
JAMES4578
23-11-2019, 18:56
certainly tougher in 2nd but Kyle stayed strong, well done:cheer::cheer::cheer: All the best to Dan but in all likelihood going to be very tough against Nadal.
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 19:10
Andy seems more subdued today. Wonder if he's under the weather?
Well done Kyle :clap: :clap:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 19:49
Rafa not playing like world #1 at the moment, 12 unforced in 8 games. Cmon Dan
Dan struggling at a set and a break down, but needs to keep Rafa out there as long as possible.
Now a double break. Dan looks done.
6-4 5-0* . Let's get a game Dan!
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 20:27
Rafa in full flow ... not many players can stop him.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 20:28
GSM Spain.
All down to the doubles ...
Not to be. Let's hope a proper doubles team can get the job done.
JAMES4578
23-11-2019, 20:34
Good effort from Dan in the first but Nadal totally dominant thereafter, pity Evans could not keep him on court longer. However expected result anyway, hopefully get off to good start in the Doubles!
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 20:54
Rafa and Feli, no surprise that, going to be very tough
Well Rafa & Feli it is (another change!).......COME ON JAMIE & NEAL!!! #backthebrits!! :GBflag:
roytennisfan
23-11-2019, 20:55
Rafa in full flow ... not many players can stop him.
Was always going to be tough that....and he's just warmed up for the doubles
Liked that from the Eurosport commie there, "99% out is 100% in.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 21:44
Well held GBR. 2-2 in the first set. The Spaniards are gunning for this.
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 21:52
Sound and pics out of sync. Very distracting
Business end of the first set, Jamie to serve at *4-5.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 22:03
GBR hold for 5-5, no breaks so far.
Business end of the set ...
Neal's turn to serve to stay in the set.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 22:22
Well done Neal, but GBR are 3-5 ...
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 22:23
Spain take the first set 7'6(3)
JAMES4578
23-11-2019, 22:27
Tight set but the spaniards were able to make the moves in the Breaker, hopefully Jamie/Neal can stay with it and start strongly in 2nd.
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 22:42
That volley from Jamie :bravo::bravo:
RoastLamb
23-11-2019, 22:53
I've been out all day and just got caught up. Am watching GB vs Spain live but just finished watching Canada beat Russia on the pvr at the same time. Phew! So happy for Canada. REALLY hope GB can beat Spain to play in the final.
jackie55
23-11-2019, 23:03
That would be my dream final, really hope team GB can get the win
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:13
GBR hold for 6-5, business end of the set.
Breaking Rafa in the next game is an option.
:whistle:
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:18
Ooooh, great shot of Tina and Exislander!
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:26
Tie break for the match or the set ...
Jamie Murray to serve first, then Feli, Neal and Rafa.
*1-0
1-1*
1-2*
*2-2
*3-2
Rafa having a big PADDY about his challenge not being accepted ...
3-3* (Rafa looks very cross, not good for the British players)
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:32
4-3* mini-break to the Brits
*5-3 well done guys
*5-4 Lopez finally makes a return and it goes in. Back on serve.
6-4* great return from Neal.
6-5* GBR to serve for the 2nd set
*6-6 incredible get from Nadal ...
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:33
:nailbiter:
Neal and Jamie must hold this serve.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:35
and he does. GBR still have a set point at *7-6.
Rafa to serve to stay in this set.
7-6
7-7* phew
7-8* Spain have a match point for a place in the Final.
*
kenny009uk
23-11-2019, 23:37
We really had that match on our racket to be honest. Spain were nowhere near their best there.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:37
*8-8 well done Jamie
*8-9, long from Jamie ... Match point again for Spain. Feli to serve.
Our guys fought amazingly well, but without the top man it was always going to be a big ask. They can all be very proud of themselves.
Hard luck guys.
Sallydaisy
23-11-2019, 23:38
Spain wins it ... they're into the Pique Cup Final for the first time.
;)
jackie55
23-11-2019, 23:40
:crying:
Great doubles match to watch.
Well done GB, you did so well. If this dC cup is going to be played in Madrid again next year it’s like a home tie for Spain again and an away tie for everyone else! Not quite a level playing field!:sad::crying:
Massive effort from Jamie and Neal. So nearly there. Can leave with heads held high. I’m gutted for them. And us. :crying:
Rosalind
23-11-2019, 23:42
Spain wins it ... they're into the Pique Cup Final for the first time.
;)
But we have Ghent. The Real Davis Cup.
:trophy:
JAMES4578
23-11-2019, 23:42
oh no GB so close to a third but spaniards were tough and Jamie/Neal could not find a way. Still good effort and in Madrid it was a challenge and good run , even if still a bit disappointing. Not as gutting as would have been in real Davis cup though;)
lovetennis
23-11-2019, 23:45
Well done GB, you did so well. If this dC cup is going to be played in Madrid again next year it’s like a home tie for Spain again and an away tie for everyone else! Not quite a level playing field!:sad::crying:
Just been saying the same to hubby. Ok, there will always have to be a host nation who will have home advantage but not fair if that team gets the advantage the following year.
Well dome to the boys, they put up a valiant fight but Rafa is just superhuman in these situations
Enjoyed the QF & SF but still not DC to me. Needs a new name
That was one helluva doubles match. Jamie and Neal played their hearts out and they should hold their heads up very high. It couldn't have been closer. I wonder what changes will be made next year. Unfortunately, I suspect, not the changes we would like. But I am so very proud of our whole team. They were brilliant.
RoastLamb
23-11-2019, 23:53
:crying::crying::crying:
Silverdee
24-11-2019, 09:17
Just been saying the same to hubby. Ok, there will always have to be a host nation who will have home advantage but not fair if that team gets the advantage the following year.
Well dome to the boys, they put up a valiant fight but Rafa is just superhuman in these situations
Enjoyed the QF & SF but still not DC to me. Needs a new name
Believe they are asking for a third year!
themass15
24-11-2019, 09:56
Such a shame by our boys. So near yet so far and more points won too.
Surely any previous, proper DC record cannot be compared to this current edition of DC? For example, they are saying Spain has not been in a DC final since 2011. To me, that is completely irrelevant as it was a totally different competition in 2011. Absolutely no comparison. Completely different route to the final. And Canada reached its first ever DC final. Again, irrelevant. All records pertaining to this edition of the not DC should start now with this first one. There are no comparisons. How could there be as this is the first time for this shambles.
banskogirl
24-11-2019, 12:00
Surely any previous, proper DC record cannot be compared to this current edition of DC? For example, they are saying Spain has not been in a DC final since 2011. To me, that is completely irrelevant as it was a totally different competition in 2011. Absolutely no comparison. Completely different route to the final. And Canada reached its first ever DC final. Again, irrelevant. All records pertaining to this edition of the not DC should start now with this first one. There are no comparisons. How could there be as this is the first time for this shambles.
Completely agree Pat. They need to start a new record. This is rubbish and can't be compared. Any chance of anyone with stature actually saying this..........publicly?! They are all being too positive about something that had a few good days but not as DC!
Completely agree Pat. They need to start a new record. This is rubbish and can't be compared. Any chance of anyone with stature actually saying this..........publicly?! They are all being too positive about something that had a few good days but not as DC!
100%
lovetennis
24-11-2019, 13:26
Surely any previous, proper DC record cannot be compared to this current edition of DC? For example, they are saying Spain has not been in a DC final since 2011. To me, that is completely irrelevant as it was a totally different competition in 2011. Absolutely no comparison. Completely different route to the final. And Canada reached its first ever DC final. Again, irrelevant. All records pertaining to this edition of the not DC should start now with this first one. There are no comparisons. How could there be as this is the first time for this shambles.
This how I feel too and also ties into my belief that they should have changed the name of the competition - that would have stopped any comparisons with previous year's results. Much as I would have been delighted for the team if we had won the SF and gone on to win the Final, the achievement would in no way compare to the 2015 win. Competing over 4 ties throughout the year, best of 5 sets, best of 5 rubbers is a totally different beast to a week long reduced format event. Having one great week can carry a team to the trophy so comparing the old format results with the new format results is a nonsense.
Spain have to be massive favourites to win today. Rafa was looking pretty unstoppable last night which has to be the biggest factor, but being a home tie for them won't do their chances any harm either. I really can't help wondering how full the arena would have been for the SF and Final if Spain had not been in them. Although the LTA did a good job in getting about a thousand people over to Madrid with less than 24 hours notice, I doubt it would be possible to get around six thousand over there that quickly if we had made the final. The Canadians face an ever greater challenge because of the distance. The difficulties of the single-venue format and how that impacts on fan attendance was always my biggest objection to the changes, and I still see those problems now. It just remains to be seen what they do about it
Rosalind
24-11-2019, 14:14
I hated it! Felt truly odd about it all. I chose not to sign up to watch it on tv and, apart from tiny bits, only really listened to the semis on five live. They decided to take it off anyway to put cricket on midway through so I had to switch to the BBC website. This gave up once for several minutes, and then again in the last tiebreak. The BBC "live updates" are in fact minutes behind - so not great in a tie-break scenario. I ended up on here checking for updates and flipping backwards and forwards to the Murraynators' FB page as they do plenty of "match chat" but discovered that "oh no, this is so nerve-wracking" etc was far from ideal. How times have changed since the last two semis when I was so near the players.
I have been wondering this morning how I can move on from this. What can be done? I must say I've not come up with logistics that work for me without also thinking "but why should I?".
suttontennis
24-11-2019, 15:09
They should just call it The World Cup of Tennis. (by Kosmos). There's no doubt the players have taken it seriously, but that's only to be expected. The venue should be awarded, like the other world cups do, but the only
difference is that those competitions are run by the governing body (FIFA, RFU etc), whereas this event is ITF/ATP sanctioned, and the money talks. I don't think it has helped the scheduling with the matches taking so long, so that needs looking at. Overall I think it has been a qualified success, but the format needs work.
lovetennis
24-11-2019, 15:16
Forgot to say that I thought Neal Skupski was wonderful in last night's match - must have been a big new experience for him and he really performed brilliantly. Jamie of course was fantastic too. Team GB really are a force to be reckoned with and much as I love watching the Murray Bros playing together there has got to be a big advantage in having a regular dubs pairing in the team
supergran
24-11-2019, 17:21
Despite my misgivings about the revamped Davis Cup I did watch from Tuesday and thoroughly enjoyed the tennis. Loved all the GB matches and have only praise for and pride in every performance. Kyle was outstanding, Andy fought as only Andy can, was thrilled with Dan's win and Jamie and Neal always gave us hope. The empty seats were disappointing and having to invite fans by providing free tickets spoke volumes. Must admit did try for flights but impossible from Manchester or Liverpool because of time and cost. Hated not being there and will be there next year. I made a protest but can't bear not to support in person. Obviously there were problems which have to be dealt with.
Admittedly I didn't watch the final, but it appeared to be a bit of an anti climax with 2 relatively one-sided singles matches and no doubles needed. Yes, I know Denis took Rafa to a TB in set 2, but overall pretty much a foregone conclusion. Well played Canada and kudos to RBA for coming on court so soon after his dad's passing.
JAMES4578
24-11-2019, 20:57
I did watch the final (though was doing other things some of the time), went pretty much as i was expected really as was not expecting a great challenge to Spain. There was good tennis and obviously a few breakers but 2 straight sets wins and not a lot of drama. Credit to RBA in the difficult circumstances and Nadal was strong even if got more of a test in the 2nd.
Maybe more folk will be attracted next year, however have not changed opinion in that regard and no real desire to attend. Could not commit too long at this time of year anyway.
RoastLamb
24-11-2019, 21:57
Hmmm well Canada sucked today. Denis was OK but Felix looked like a rabbit in front of headlights. Anyway, there's always next year. At least they had about 400 fans who came over to support them. But tough ask against a great team like Spain. But kudos to Canada for getting to their first ever DC final! :flowers:
david1610
24-11-2019, 22:44
Hello just back home. Loved last night.
Not much voice left!
I will try and share some thoughts tomorrow but just a couple of things after reading some of the posts:
1. The choice of Feliciano in the first match. Has everybody now read that unfortunately Robert Bautista's father passed away on Thursday?
2. The free tickets. Put another way, Andy as I understand it offered to buy them and so the LTA claimed the allocation of tickets that were reserved for GB as a semi finalist. The thousand or so British fans present in the smaller stadiums in GB's group and QF matches really did make a big difference and I think the team and Andy realised that and wanted to get as many Brits there as possible. The court was extremely full of noisy fans, mainly Spaniards! This was not a case of the promoters trying to fill an empty stadium.
3. Scheduling. They went for two matches per court per day except for SFs and Final. 6 groups of 3 so 18 group matches, plus 4 QFs 2SFs and the Final so 25 matches. 3 courts. 2 sessions per day on all courts except the latter stage. They changed the first match starting time from 11.00 to 10.30 and the afternoon one from 5.30. Under the current system, there is not much else they can do, unless they include the practice courts which would not be very fan friendly.
goldfish
24-11-2019, 22:57
Re point 1 above - Caréna-Busta was nominated for this match until the last minute so the death of RBA's father shouldn't be relevant to the late change.
I gave in and subscribed to Eurosport on Weds as I was desperate to watch Andy play. I didn't manage to catch that many matches but I did enjoy the ones I was able to follow and there were some very exciting ties. Very disappointed it's in Madrid again next year even if it makes it easier to attend than USA, for example, but would definitely prefer a different host.
Very well played by GB. Congratulations to the whole team who all played a positive part in the competition.
david1610
24-11-2019, 23:45
Re point 1 above - Caréna-Busta was nominated for this match until the last minute so the death of RBA's father shouldn't be relevant to the late change.
Well, I have grieved and thought I could do my work and then suddenly it ... .hits.. you and you cannot. I understand your opinion under the strict sense of the rules but if he was trying to help his team and then it hit him then I fully understand.
PS I cannot resist sharing a photo of the doubles and the view I had yesterday! (No not one of the free tickets) ;)1459
sir coolerking
25-11-2019, 09:00
I have enjoyed watching it over the last week, although it did seem as though everything was set up for a 'home' victory. How long is it in Madrid for? It's a massive advantage, I feel we'd have won the semi had it been anywhere else, just don't think Rafa would have been as hyped up. It's hard to see how Spain are beaten whilst it stays in their Capital.
However, not sure what else could be done with the scheduling other than having more Courts. At least Madrid is a City with late night travel infrastructure. Remember what the ATP Finals were like first couple of years in London when people were leaving early to catch last tubes/trains?
I would make a change that says only one singles player is allowed to play in the doubles. If you can get through to the Final using only 2 players then it doesn't seem much like a 'Team' event.
suttontennis
25-11-2019, 11:42
I have enjoyed watching it over the last week, although it did seem as though everything was set up for a 'home' victory. How long is it in Madrid for? It's a massive advantage, I feel we'd have won the semi had it been anywhere else, just don't think Rafa would have been as hyped up. It's hard to see how Spain are beaten whilst it stays in their Capital.
However, not sure what else could be done with the scheduling other than having more Courts. At least Madrid is a City with late night travel infrastructure. Remember what the ATP Finals were like first couple of years in London when people were leaving early to catch last tubes/trains?
I would make a change that says only one singles player is allowed to play in the doubles. If you can get through to the Final using only 2 players then it doesn't seem much like a 'Team' event. I agree with this, but then your other two players get 'injured' and the only alternative is your one remaining singles player....
sir coolerking
25-11-2019, 12:48
[/B] I agree with this, but then your other two players get 'injured' and the only alternative is your one remaining singles player....
It was a 5 man team. Spain still had 3 players available in the semi, yet used only 2.
We fully understand how RBA would have been grieving and I am amazed that he managed to play and focus so brilliantly on Sunday. What Goldfish meant was that it WASN'T RBA that Lopez was replacing on Saturday - it was Carena Busta. Hence there is no reason why they couldn’t have announced it earlier!
Well, I have grieved and thought I could do my work and then suddenly it ... .hits.. you and you cannot. I understand your opinion under the strict sense of the rules but if he was trying to help his team and then it hit him then I fully understand.
PS I cannot resist sharing a photo of the doubles and the view I had yesterday! (No not one of the free tickets) ;)1459
RoastLamb
26-11-2019, 16:24
Here is Cdn journo, Tom Tebbutt's take on the pros and cons of the new format DC. (http://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tebbutt-davis-cup-brand-is-strong/)
Despite my misgivings about the revamped Davis Cup I did watch from Tuesday and thoroughly enjoyed the tennis. Loved all the GB matches and have only praise for and pride in every performance. Kyle was outstanding, Andy fought as only Andy can, was thrilled with Dan's win and Jamie and Neal always gave us hope. The empty seats were disappointing and having to invite fans by providing free tickets spoke volumes. Must admit did try for flights but impossible from Manchester or Liverpool because of time and cost. Hated not being there and will be there next year. I made a protest but can't bear not to support in person. Obviously there were problems which have to be dealt with.
Feel exactly the same Mo! It killed me not being there! Before it started, I hated what they have done to it but it’s still team GB and they want our support. I wasn’t sure whether it would mean the same to them, but it seemed to.
For those who are saying they hate it and haven’t even watched any of it .... I don’t think you can really comment. The atmosphere sounded good but I agree there is a problems with empty seats in the later rounds for any one who is not playing Spain. This needs looking at and I’m not sure how it can be solved.
Everything weighed up and considered I’m afraid that making a stand is all well and good but I have missed being there to support the team sooo much! I will definitely be there next year if I can. I am lucky to be able to take time off work whenever but I do recognise that this format excludes teachers, children and anyone who can’t go away for a week to watch tennis.
RoastLamb
28-11-2019, 03:19
Sports Illustrated's take on the new format Davis Cup: (https://www.si.com/tennis/2019/11/27/mailbag-davis-cup-2019-rafael-nadal-spain-new-format-questions-improvements?utm_source=twitter.com&xid=socialflow_twitter_si&utm_campaign=si-tennis&utm_medium=social)
4) What do we do about fans? There are few greater sports eyesores than empty seats. When Andy Murray took to Twitter essentially offering to buy British fans tickets, it made for a cute story but also a somewhat pathetic one. How does the ITF get fans in the stands? How do federations work to create a World Cup environment?
If I wanted to watch a mix of nationalities and top players playing tennis, I'd do what I've done in the past..... go to a Masters.
The whole point of DC was to support YOUR OWN country.
I've said elsewhere the difficulties involved in effectively gambling as to who you'll see when and what flights to book and how long accommodation should be for. Not many folk have the financial or personal luxury of being able to flit off to another country for a week, be it because of work or a significant other half.
The old format was over a weekend. You knew in advance where, when and for how long. It was also, importantly, a family affair. No need to take kids out of school to attend.
All we'll get from this year are lots of little Spaniards wanting to play. Most kids in GB probably couldn't even watch it on tv. So it's a backward step in encouraging a new generation of GB players.
I love tennis but I'm going to continue to boycott what is no longer the DC. Oh, and as for top players not boycotting it, unless I'm very much mistaken, they have to play DC if they want to play in the Olympics.
It kills me too not being able to support at the DC, but this is not and never will be genuine DC. The only way we'll get that back is to continue seeing empty seats.
Thank you Pabbers. At last, someone able to formulate how I've been thinking and feeling about Pique DC, but I have been unable to do so in as clear and expressive a way as you have done. Well done.
goldfish
02-12-2019, 19:56
Sorry david1610, have only just got back to this thread. As clarified by Nessie, I was absolutely not criticising RBA at all but the team management. I've become a great fan of RBA since that match v Andy in January and would never expect him to play under the circumstances. That he came back and played in the final was totally amazing and I only wish him all the best with his new wife and future life.
Rosalind
02-12-2019, 23:36
Yes Pabbers thank you for articulating so well. I said that I'd hated it which seemed odd when I never actually saw it on the TV just heard a bit. What I meant was that I hated it going on and was glad when it finished.
And not having it on bbc/terrestrial channels was ridiculous as the general public didn't know it was on.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.