Davis Cup Finals 2023, September in Manchester. Tie and Match thread

[Sallydaisy]

Team announced:
Cam Norrie, Dan Evans, Andy Murray and Neal Skupski.
Captain Leon Smith can make up to 3 changes up until 24hrs before the event begins.

[Stell]

I read it, earlier. Brilliant to see Andy back in the team.

[supergran]

Thrilled Andy named in team.

[Stell]

I've read no food or drink will be allowed to be taken into the arena from outside. So, it looks like the same as the O2 Arena and the Copper Box in London.

[Nessie]

We are now able to go on 13th. We’re in block 102. Where have the AMFF been allocated their tickets? It would be good to be able to see you all.

[Sallydaisy]

We don't yet know - not had the tickets through. They'll be here soonish and I'll let you know.

[roytennisfan]

My ticket for 13th is block 105 row p
Same side of court but 3 blocks away
Who's going Wednesday, hopefully see a few people

[Hawkeye]

Jack Draper added to the team.

[Stell]

I've just read about Jack being included in the team, which is good to see.

I'll be somewhere in the stadium on the Wednesday.

[cazza99]

How is it being televised?

[JAMES4578]

GB's ties will be available via iplayer and the BBC Sports website, other ties on Tennis Channel International. htt ps://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/davis-cup/news/2023-group-stage-preview-draws-teams-schedule-how-to-watch-on-tv/

[goldfish]

Disappointed to miss DC this time as it was one trip too many this summer but hope those attending have a fab time and make yourself hoarse supporting the team. Will catch up with some of you at the BJK Cup match.

[cazza99]

Need to watch it from the Canaries. Can't get iplayer there. Maybe Tennis Channel will work from there????

[tennis890]

New to the Davis Cup format, when are the players for each day usually announced?

[Sallydaisy]

Stan Wawrinka has posted a video on Twitter showing an empty stadium for the tie between Switzerland and France and making a very sarcastic 'thank you' to Pique for what he's done to Davis Cup.

Good for you Stanimal ... more players should protest at the way devoted fans are denied the chance to cheer on their teams as they could in the pre-footballer run event.
:angry:

[Hawkeye]

Were the LTA trying to give tickets away again? I vaguely recall an email...

[Sallydaisy]

Yes if you bought tix for the GBR events.

[lovetennis]

Has there been any word on plans for future years of DC? When Pique got the push about a year ago, I think the ITF said they would go ahead with the 2023 event as planned but would review for the future. Clearly the current format is not economically viable. That empty stadium today has got to be a loser financially and also a bit soul destroying for the players.

It's certainly not satisfactory for fans. How many French, Swiss and Aussie fans must there be who would love to have been able to support their team, but can't make it ? They need to localise the ties to give some home interest which is the heart & soul of DC for both fans and players.

Interested to see what the ITF do for 2024, and what consequences for the ITF head honchos who supported the Pique bid? None it seems. Haggerty is still there

[Rosalind]

Lots of posts here that I wanted to thank but technical hitch meaning that not working for me just now. Good on Stan for posting. This is the first time I'm not going to a home tie in a long while. I'm feeling pangs of sadness this morning. I was particularly annoyed on how Andy was brought on so late in Glasgow- the late start time and stupid format caused that. One reason why I decided against attending this time.

[Hawkeye]

What are the times/matchups today?

[Hawkeye]

Today's ties...

Draper v. Kokkinakis
Evans v. De Minaur
Skupski/Evans v. Ebden/Purcell

[suttontennis]

although the doubles can be changed up to 15mins before the rubber starts ?
I can see this one being 2-1, but which way I've not decided !!

[Hawkeye]

Great win for Jack, and Dan is halfway there...

[harriet]

watching this on BBC Sport, arena has a big crowd too

[Sallydaisy]

Wahey!!! Well done Evo, puts GBR 2-0 up!
:yahoo:

[Sallydaisy]

Wonder if Leon will change the doubles pairing?

[Jan]

Awesome! What a great afternoon's entertainment! :GBflag::bravo:

[clancy]

Well done Jack and Dan! (was expecting Alex to run Dan closer).

[Hawkeye]

Doubles pairings as originally listed.

[tennis890]

Been watching on and off all day. Big well done to Jack and Dan. Watching on tv today has made me even more excited to go on Friday now.

[Sallydaisy]

Shame Neil and Dan (tired?) lost but we still won the tie 2-1.
Keep it going guys!!!
:GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Tennis890. Please make sure you read the t&c's for the O2 Manchester = Draconian.
A4 bag, clear plastic empty bottle (they remove the tops), water top ups available but queues for it.
No food allowed in and what they are selling is unhealthy rubbish.
Have as late a meal - preferably large - before you go in!!!

[tennis890]

Thanks Sally. It's crazy that they aren't allowing food in when it's such a long day, and I bet the prices ridiculous too. Will make sure to eat before we go in. Not got the best seats (front row of top tier 204) but still really looking forward to it.

[Nessie]

Yes we went yesterday and the security was really lax! Our bags weren’t checked at all. We planned to have our picnic before going in but were in before we knew it! However we could just eat our sandwiches etc in the venue! We decided we needed a coffee at about 6pm but they had run out!! No food either. The arena was also quite chilly. HOWEVER it was a great day and Jack and Dan were incredible. Only saw set 1 of the doubles as had a 3.5 hour journey home. (They obviously needed our cheering!)

[tennis890]

I think we might try smuggling in some wraps or something in out coat pockets tomorrow lol

[Sallydaisy]

I understand they have relaxed the rules about taking in food e.g. sandwiches but NOT big bags of stuff. From a 'source':

I have just been speaking with a supervisor on the door. He said they realised they made mistakes yesterday and at 4pm made the decision to allow people to leave the venue to buy food outside and bring it back in. Unfortunately they didn't announce it! He said we could bring in small amounts of food such as sandwiches and snacks in our pockets, but don't try to bring in a whole picnic.

[tennis890]

Thanks for the update Sally. Do you know if its the same for drinks? Or still just the empty bottle to refill?

[Hawkeye]

Australia beat France 2-1. A 3-0 win tomorrow would be very handy!

[Sallydaisy]

For those going I suggest you read the email sent out by O2 giving an update on what you can and can't do!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy's in the mix today!!!
GBR v Switzerland.
1. Murray v Riedi
2. Norrie v Wawrinka
3. Evans/Skupski v Huesler/Stricker

[clancy]

Wonderful news! Wish I'd gone now and risked the steep steps and no handrails! Hope Andy has a good win (don't know the guy he's playing). Hope a lot of the problems have been sorted out and a good time is had by all. x

[clancy]

Thought Andy had this set in the bag in spite of seeming edgy but the young lad has raised his game; are we heading for a tie break?

[pabbers]

Yes.....eeeeek

[Sallydaisy]

:sofa:
6-6 in the tie-break. Andy was a break up but lost it on his own serve.

[clancy]

Andy loses the 1st set! Gutted. x

[Sallydaisy]

Ohhhhhhhhhh
:facepalm:

The Swiss take the 1st set on the tie-break 7'6(7)

[Hawkeye]

Why he put that second serve right into the Swiss' main weapon is beyond me.

[Hawkeye]

Andy gets a second set break, but can't consolidate...

[harriet]

eiither win this set - or lose the match?

[Hawkeye]

Andy breaks straight back again, and this time will serve for the set...

[Hawkeye]

Andy gets a set point, but can't take it...

One break point saved...

Here's a second set point, can we get a service winner please?

Yes!

[Jane]

:GBflag::thumbup:

[clancy]

I am fearful of this 3rd set and what the loss would do to Andy. x

[Hawkeye]

Andy up another early break, but can't consolidate again...

[Sallydaisy]

Swiss serving at *2-4 ...

C'mon Andy!!!

[Hawkeye]

Andy about to serve at *4-3, and someone takes ill in the crowd...

[Hawkeye]

After a short delay, Andy holds...

[Hawkeye]

Andy to serve for the match.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy serving for the match......

:nailbiter:

[Sallydaisy]

*15-0, 30-0, 30-15 (Andy hit into the net
*30-30 great return from a Murray 2nd serve.
:eek:

[Sallydaisy]

Match point .....

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo:

You legend Andy Murray.

But next up is Stanimal against Cam the Man!!!
More nailbiting stuff ...

[Jane]

:GBflag: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Hawkeye]

Big serve, return is long,15-0.
Swiss UE, 30-0.
Andy into the net, 30-15...
Poor second serve punished, 30-30...
Another Swiss UE and it's match point! 40-30.
Ace!

:yahoo:

[Jan]

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

[Hawkeye]

Andy's 33rd singles match win in the DC.

[clancy]

Hard slog but Andy gets the win. So happy for him. My heart rate should settle down a bit now for Cam's match. x

[lovetennis]

Emotional Andy, missing his Gran's funeral today. Don't know he managed to play. What a pro, what a man

[murrayfan89]

Great performance, didn't know it was Andy's Gran's funeral today :( Emotional moment for him in the interview.

[Alis]

Brilliant! What a man! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Alis]

Does anyone know which grandma?

[Jane]

I'm pretty sure I'd have heard if it is Judy's mum.

[Jan]

That's tough for Andy :grouphug:

[Hawkeye]

Yep, granny Murray.

[Sallydaisy]

Stanimal takes the first set 7'5 for Switzerland. Norrie has it all to do now.

[Jan]

Much as I don't want Stan to win this match, you have to love his BH!

[Sallydaisy]

Stan is the Man!!! He's won 7'5, 6'4 to give Switzerland their 1st point.

[suttontennis]

Have to say, Cam looks totally lacking in confidence. The match was there to stamp his authority on with the break in the second set but he could barely string two good points together. I can't see Leon putting him out on Sunday so either Dan is going to have a busy day or Andy might get the nod.

[Sallydaisy]

It's Stan/Stricker v Evo/Skupski. Stan obviously in form so he's replaced Huesler for this doubles.

[Sallydaisy]

Evski a break up, early doors.

[JAMES4578]

Gutsy win for Andy particularly in the circumstances, bit of a gruelling one mind you. whilst Stan played very well Cameron not really high on confidence unfortunately. Anyway Evski a set up in the doubles, hopefully can keep momentum going!

[Jan]

Great match!! Well done Neil and Evo :cheer::GBflag::bravo::superman:

[Hawkeye]

Anyone done the qualification arithmetic?

[Alis]

Well done Team GB!!:cheer::dance:

[tennis890]

What a fab (but long) day! Shame Cam couldn't get the win but Stan really did play well. The doubles was great to watch, they played so well.
It was amazing to see Andy play live again, and as usual wasn't an easy watch at times but so happy he did it and for his nan too (I was in tears during his on court interview) what a man!
There didn't seem to be any problems with huge queues today and we managed to take bottles of water and a few snacks in without any issues.
Hope everyone that's going over the next couple of days has a fab time. :GBflag:

[banskogirl]

I missed the matches as I’ve been at a wedding, all day. Saw Andy’s interview though, poor guy, what a choice to make.

Hoping the matches will be available tomorrow as they aren’t on iplayer now. Maybe just on bbc website?

[JAMES4578]

Glad those there had a good time :) At least the food situation was a bit better!

[clancy]

Suspect Australia will make a clean sweep today; what does that mean we have to do tomorrow against France?

[banskogirl]

I would really like to watch some of the other teams, the BBC really only do the minimum!

[JAMES4578]

Australia are 2-0 up anyway. All ties are available on Tennis Channel International (?2.49 a month, 7 day free trial if you have not subscribed previously) Maybe a bit late for this time though.

[patmoren]

GB need to beat France to go through. Switzerland are out looks as though Australia might go through, though how the matches go between GB and France is going to decide the final result.

[Sallydaisy]

Australia have qualified for the Final 8 in Malaga with a 3-0 win (0 sets dropped) over Switzerland.
GBR must beat France tomorrow to join them in Malaga; 1pm tomorrow start time.

[gardengnomie]

I think the rules say -
1. point per tie won
2. head to head
3. % matches won
4. % sets won
5. % games won

[Sallydaisy]

Finland have beaten USA 3-0!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Thank you Gardengnomie!

[gardengnomie]

Is this right?

If France and GB are both on 4-2 matches won at the moment, then if France win 2-1 we'd all be on 2 ties won each but they would be 6-3 on matches and we'd be on 5-4. So France would go through.

So actually it is pretty simple. Win the tie to go through,

[Sallydaisy]

I'm no good at these stats!!!

[banskogirl]

Thanks James re where to watch the other matches. Gardengnomie you make it sound so simple :swingin: let's hope it's that simple!

Finland........!

[exislander]

Any word on who Leon has picked to play yet?

[Jane]

Dan v. Fils
Cam v. Humbert
Dan/Neal v. Mahut/Roger Vasselin

[Nessie]

Oh! I might have preferred Jack v Fils and Dan v Humbert but hopefully I’ll be wrong!:confused: Go GB !

[pabbers]

I agree Nessie. As for playing Cam.....

[tennis890]

The atmosphere sounds electric in the arena today. Wish I was there. C'mon Dan!!

[clancy]

Dan takes the 2nd set and squares the match; all to play for!

[clancy]

A win for GB in the 1st match! Everything crossed for Cam doing the same. x

[pabbers]

Dan really is the Ian Poulter of GB Davis Cup

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous from Dan, some fightback! Fils started strongly but could quite keep it going and Dan was able to exert pressure. Hopefully Cameron can get over the line this time but will be a challenge.

[suttontennis]

Not surprised Leon picked Cam for today. He is more experienced than Jack and Leon does stand by his players. Cam should have been able to cope with the situation, but again failed to show his best.

[banskogirl]

Eugh Cam! Do we know why it wasn’t Andy? Not that I’m saying he should’ve……..

[JAMES4578]

A pity,Somewhat frustrating,particularly the way it ended. Cameron had some momentum but could not make it count. Still hopefully can do in the doubles!

[pabbers]

Just relieved it's not Herbert alongside Mahut but I still won't be holding my breath. Monumental job for the Brits.

[Sallydaisy]

:help:

Our boys are serving at *1-4 in the 1st set.
Heck of a lot to do against such a good French duo.
:nailbiter:

[JAMES4578]

Certainly outplayed in the first ,4-3 up in 2nd though-hopefully can take this to decider- They take it on the breaker 7-4!

[Sallydaisy]

Tie-break to decide the 3rd and Final set of this tie.
:nailbiter:

[Sallydaisy]

France serving first:
*0-1 Mahut broken
1-1* Dan serving ... that's the mini-break straight back
1-2*
*2-2 ERV with the serve
*3-2 C'mon GBR!!!
4-2* OH NO. The French get a crucial (possibly) mini-break

[Sallydaisy]

Sure I'm seeing Elizabeth on TV a few times!

[Sallydaisy]

Neal to send down his 2nd serve ... 4-2*
4-3* Brits need to break Mahut twice right now ...
*4-4 OK, that's the mini-break back. One more please lads!
*5-4 Just hold your serve please Neal, pretty please!!!
5-5*
5-6* That's a big hold from Dan Evans! MATCH POINT

[Sallydaisy]

Saved by Mahut for France ...
*6-6 C'mon lads, go for a break of the Mahut serve
*6-7 MATCH POINT 2nd - and on Neal's serve. Has to nail it now methinks (hopes!)
6-8*
:phew:

[Sallydaisy]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Jane]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[pabbers]

Yesssssssssssss!!!!

[JAMES4578]

Absolutely amazing from Neal and Dan, became a dramatic match and a stirring fightback. Not sure how they came through in the 3rd with the French having all those chances, some inspiration-well done!:cheer::cheer:

[Alis]

:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[WimbledonWestie]

That was absolutely amazing! Have barely moved since 1pm - gripping day’s play. What a dramatic end. Just brilliant! Well done to the team all week!

[tennis890]

What a fantastic match and week! Well done Team GB :GBflag::GBflag:

[Genbrit]

How awesome was that. Spent the day watching. Couldn't believe how they won the doubles.

[Nessie]

Absolutely brilliant! What a fighter Dan is! An amazing team effort.:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

[pabbers]

Dan has saved us so many times over the years, especially when Andy wasn't there. As I said earlier he's the Ian Poulter of the Davis Cup! We should call him the postman as well as he always delivers :worship::love:

[suttontennis]

Kyle must have been thinking 'that could have been me' while he was sat watching courtside. Remember in 2015 when he was brought into the Final in Gent v Goffin, and outplayed him for 2 sets.

[lovetennis]

Just about recovered after yesterday's excitement. A truly great day's tennis. Exhausting but great :jitterbug:

The tension of the doubles match was enormous, especially after losing the first set 6-1 but Neal & Dan were tremendous. Safe to say AMFF shouted our heads off :swingin::cheer:

Lovely Jack came over for selfies at the end, and even thanked us for staying to the end. Great to see everyone and for us all to shout and cheer together

[banskogirl]

What a day of tennis, who could've predicted that doubles match?! Amazing :yahoo: finished watching it after 12 last night!

Well played guys through so much stress!

[Stell]

I felt frustrated, on each of our match days, as my hotel closed at 10pm (22.00pm) each night and didn't open until 6am the following morning. Therefore, I had to leave at 8.30pm (20.30pm) if I didn't want to sleep either in my car or at the tram stop. So, I missed the last set of Wednesday's doubles match. But, I got to see all of Friday's matches. I then missed the tie break for Sunday's doubles, but managed to get back to the hotel and watch the final set.

[Stell]

The commentator was surprised about Finland making the final eight.