TENNIS: Davis Cup
Feb. 1st, 2014 04:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
feather_ghyllI watched some tennis last night, more by accident than design. Great Britain, back in the elite group, versus the United States of America, which was playing at home. I agreed with the bewilderment of the commentators over the choice of a clay court, because unless if it was driven by the Bryan brothers, it seemed like a very negative choice by Captain Jim Courier. As it proved, it provided little advantage.
Although I grimaced for Murray and his back as he hurled himself around for two or three points, playing on clay was an added bonus for him, I think. He outclassed Donald Young, John Isner’s replacement, but because he needed to work out how to construct each point, I think Murray was engaged enough to despatch Young. The way he kept hitting behind his opponent was exemplary.
I only stayed up until midway through the second set of the second rubber, when what I was seeing wasn’t living up to what I thought was hyperbole from the British commentators about Ward playing Davis Cup tennis. I hoped Ward could make a better showing than Young, that was all. Today, I found out that he beat Querrey in five.
I hope to catch at least some of the doubles.
Apart from Sue Barker cosily asking him too many questions about Andy Murray’s private life, which was awkward, I thought that Ross Hutchins was a good addition to the commentators box, giving some real insights.
It looks as if other countries may be regretting not having their first, second (or third!) choices. I can't pretend to be very interested in Davis Cup unless it is shoved under my nose, but the element of playing for their country, having the captain on the court and combining to play doubles adds something different.
Although I grimaced for Murray and his back as he hurled himself around for two or three points, playing on clay was an added bonus for him, I think. He outclassed Donald Young, John Isner’s replacement, but because he needed to work out how to construct each point, I think Murray was engaged enough to despatch Young. The way he kept hitting behind his opponent was exemplary.
I only stayed up until midway through the second set of the second rubber, when what I was seeing wasn’t living up to what I thought was hyperbole from the British commentators about Ward playing Davis Cup tennis. I hoped Ward could make a better showing than Young, that was all. Today, I found out that he beat Querrey in five.
I hope to catch at least some of the doubles.
Apart from Sue Barker cosily asking him too many questions about Andy Murray’s private life, which was awkward, I thought that Ross Hutchins was a good addition to the commentators box, giving some real insights.
It looks as if other countries may be regretting not having their first, second (or third!) choices. I can't pretend to be very interested in Davis Cup unless it is shoved under my nose, but the element of playing for their country, having the captain on the court and combining to play doubles adds something different.
