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Davis Cup Semifinals Weekend is Here, Now Fasten Your Seatbelts
34 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Bios
Davis Cup semifinals weekend is a momentous major occasion for the tennis season – two teams will survive and contest for the Davis Cup itself in Decemmber —
Australia is in Glasgow to challenge Great Britain and Andy Murray — an interesting dynamic is that the opening match pits Andy against Thanasi Kokkinakis, who have established a bit of a big brother-little brother relationship from having practiced together several times earlier in the year, including a couple of sessions at Key Biscayne I witnessed – the two are very good buddies and horsed around most of the practice, clearly you could see Andy took a liking to young Thanasi — but today they must put that unique friendship aside and thrash it out against each other for the very important first singles point —
Each match is huge in this tie, with GB expecting Andy to win both singles, and Australia expecting to handle the talented but unreliable Dan Evans in the other singles, meaning it could come down to the doubles, or an upset in the singles —
Lleyton Hewitt, who will play doubles with Sam Groth, and perhaps singles as he did in the quarterfinal vs Kazakhstan where he proved to be the hero by clinching the tie in the final rubber vs Nedovyesov, has upped the ante by telling the media that Andy Murray surely is feeling enormous pressure to come through for Great Britain — then the next day, Murray responded to Hewitt’s jabs by saying that Hewitt is also feeling enormous pressure as this is the final tie of his career —
The stakes are so very high, the perceived one man team of Great Britain (no disrespect to Jamie Murray – two major doubles finals this year, Dominic Inglot, and Evans) actually has a very good shot to win the Cup this year — if they can wrest that doubles point tomorrow from Hewitt and Groth — but then again, Australia has to like their chances also with in form Bernard Tomic as their second singles player — what a tie it will be — for the right to face the winner of Belgium vs Argentina in the final —
Belgium has to be the favorite, playing at home and on an indoor hard surface, but David Goffin, Kimmer Coppejans, Steve Darcis and Ruben Bemelmans will certainly have their hands full with Leo Mayer, Federico Delbonis, Carlos Berloq, and Diego Schwartzman and the energetic Argentine fan contingent which is on site — remember, Mayer played the longest Davis Cup match ever last year, over six hours — so that will give you an indication of what it takes to slay mighty Argentine which is still looking to capture its first Davis Cup title after so many close calls with David Nalbandian and Juan martin Del potro —
Davis Cup — always drama, always a spectacle, always blood sweat and tears heart and soul quality tennis performed under the ultimate pressure of playing for the flag of a nation — some of the most amazing matches in tennis history have happened inside the unpredictable Davis Cup arena — ENJOY IT
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Moskova Moskova · September 18, 2015 at 1:53 pm
IMO – the 2 ties are both 50 / 50.
i’d like to see the aussie-argentine DC final in dec with hewitt prevailing over his nemisis country (if there’s such a thing).
chela / coria should stop by and give hewitt a hug LOL
Dan Markowitz · September 19, 2015 at 1:54 am
These Davis Cup semis showcase countries without much singles prowess or depth. The two best players are Murray and Goffin and the Aussies have Tomic and Kokkanaikis, but how about Daniel Evans playing second singles for Britain and Delbonis for Argentina. Pretty weak. I’m surprised Captain Courier didn’t go with Young as one of his two singles players. He had the far better US Open than either Sock or SteveJo.
How about Klein? He beats Frantangelo and is in the semis of Cary. If Harry and the Aussie/Brit meet in the finals, which is likely now, it could be a fiery match. Both players have their tempers.
Scoop Malinowski · September 19, 2015 at 8:12 am
Dan, as you know, Davis Cup births the unlikely heroes, young Guga and young Safin rose to prominence with their Davis Cup heroics, so did Lopez when he beat Delpo in the final in Argentina, Youzhny is another, Boetsch, Troicki also come to mind, Davis Cup is the big stage, let’s see who the new heroes and new stars who will emerge — BTW Todd Woodbridge tweeted that the winner of the Aus GB doubles today will be the winner of the Davis Cup, how’s that for pressure on just one lil doubles match? What a match it will be —
JG · September 19, 2015 at 8:36 am
Brilliant, you see Groth almost knocked Hewitt over with a chest bump!
Scoop Malinowski · September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am
Groth is a mack truck !
Scoop Malinowski · September 19, 2015 at 4:56 pm
Davis Cup SF and F are the best events in tennis by a country mile, you don’t need Fed or Rafa or Djokovic or Serena, Davis Cup makes the tennis incredible, the tennis does not make the Davis Cup — the atmosphere and spirit at Davis Cup SF and F is far beyond the sommewhat sterile corporate atmospheres of major tourneys, Davis Cup SF and F is so far beyond anything else in tennis – with the exception of Olympic tennis which is also on the similar level – that only an idiot would whine about it, it does not matter if the Davis Cup SF or F lacks stars or well known players, it’s the stage and the atmosphere that inspires the best tennis you will ever see — I only saw today’s highlights but it was typical Davis Cup semifinal and F calibre tennis, high tension, passion, incredibly supportive and animated fans, and of course magical tennis — there are two level of tennis – Davis Cup SF and F tennis – and everything else comes next — just look at the video of the Argentine fans who stayed in the arena celebrating with the team after they won the doubles today vs Belgium — also the energy of the British fans was something very special — look for British tennis to spark a new generation of tennis if they win this tie and then win the Cup — incredible day for Davis Cup tennis the best team event in all of sports —
Dan Markowitz · September 20, 2015 at 2:44 am
I hear you on the spirit of Davis Cup, but I’m just not getting into a Daniel Evans v Bernard Tomic match. I mean I like Evans, but he’s not a high-caliber player and I don’t think if GBR wins Davis Cup its going to spark a tennis bonanza in the region. Let’s face it: Britain has one great player and the rest of the group is mediocre at best. In my lifetime, Britain has never had two good players at the same time unless you want to go back to John Lloyd and Buster Mottram.
I like watching the Americans play in Uzbekistan. It is pretty cool that they’re playing in what looks like a private club, and not fancy at all, in Tashkent. I love the international scope of the sport and I do agree with you, the corporate hold on slams and Masters events is unappealing, but I can’t say I’m fascinated by an Argentina v Belgium semis. I watched some of Goffin v Delbonis and it was alright, but I’d probably be more interested in Harry’s rise in the Challenger in NC.
Dan Markowitz · September 20, 2015 at 3:12 am
Here’s a question for you, Scoop. Will this “new” American-led squad of Sock and SteveJo ultimately lead the US to a Davis Cup title? Sock is coming through in Uzbekistan, looking like he’ll sweep his singles matches, and there’s a new American dominant doubles team in QBall and SteveJo, do you think these guys maybe with Izzie and possibly the Bryans subbing in could win the Davis Cup?
Also, how about Paes and Bopanna not winning a set in the doubles against Steppy and a partner I never heard of. Paes should’ve teamed with Hingis I guess.
Scoop Malinowski · September 20, 2015 at 9:08 am
Surely USA could win the Cup they were neck and neck with Great Britain in their last two clashes this year and last year in San Diego – just needed a little bit more from certain players – GB looks like the favorite to win it now — GB is by no means a one man team, brother Jamie has become a great doubles player (two slam finals this year), Inglot is also a doubles force and played superb vs the Bryans, Evans is probably a throw in but he’s another one of those quality, dangerous players who has underachieved on the ATP level — Davis Cup is a fiercely contested and very prestigious title – to team gets to the SF without earning their way —
Dan Markowitz · September 20, 2015 at 10:02 am
I can’t agree with you Scoop. Firstly, Evans is a career Challenger player. He’s like a British version of Michael Yani. And Davis Cup can be very hokey with all those Brits dressed up and going crazy in Glasgow. I watched some Muzz v Tomic this morning and there’s no suspense. You know Murray could come out on a cane and beat Tomic. Now if Murray was playing Fed in Davis Cup that would be different, but that never seems to happen. Just because Goffin is playing Delbonis in the guise of DC doesn’t make me really want to watch it. Give me the top players in Asia.
Scoop Malinowski · September 20, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Bernie laid an egg – he’s just not ready for prime time – ironic that the man who ridiculed Tennis Australia at Wimbledon was asked to save the sinking ship but he just couldn’t deliver – will always wonder if Kyrgios could have done better — Goffin vs Delbonis for all the marbles – it’s like seeing two second or third tier players getting the chance to play for a million bucks winner take all — imagine Spadea vs Arazi for the Davis Cup- live fifth rubber of the final — see? The event creates the players – the players don’t create the event —
Dan Markowitz · September 20, 2015 at 4:58 pm
You make a good argument. I’m still not going to go out of my way to watch Goffin v Delbonis.
sharoten · September 20, 2015 at 9:25 pm
“Scoop Malinowski at 9:08 am
Davis Cup is a fiercely contested and very prestigious title – to team gets to the SF without earning their way”
Really? It all depends on the luck of the draw and who’s healthy enough to play. Belgium made it to the SF not having to play a singles player ranked higher than #272. They played Switzerland in Round 1 when their team was comprised of Laaksonen #344, Lammer #576 and Bossel #321. Second round was Canada with Dancevic #272 and Peliwo #491. I think even the U.S. could have made it to the semis against that kind of opposition.
C’mon. Davis Cup can be a lot of fun but fiercely contested and highly prestigious? Hyperbole again reigns supreme on Tennis Prose.
Scoop Malinowski · September 21, 2015 at 8:02 am
Darcis and Goffin came up big to subdue the always tough Argentine team from 1-2 down after doubles – now everyone is saying GB will crush Belgium, let’s see what happens – Belgium certainly is capable of pulling off the upset —
Dan Markowitz · September 21, 2015 at 10:19 am
Harry gets to finals in Cary, but loses to Novikov. Who’s Novikov? I know he’s of Russian descent like Kozlov and plays or played at UCLA, but I’ve never seen the guy play.
Here’s a good debate: in five years, who will be the top-ranked players out of these five:
Rublev
Coric
Zverev
Chung
Fritz/Paul/Tiafoe
I’ve got it: Chung, Zverev, Coric, Rublev and Paul.
Scoop Malinowski · September 21, 2015 at 10:45 am
Impossible to day, these players are all in the same mix, hard to say which one will emerge as the alpha, they have all impressed, this really is so hard to analyze, ——— I guess —- Coric is more advanced – win over Rafa, big wins in Davis Cup — then Zverev – upside is huge — Rublev — Chung — Paul — This list of players could be the top five ATP in five years, in whatever order — but how can we forget Felix Auger Aliassime? — Novikov is the big guy from Chicago, met him and his dad at Sarasota 3 years ago, remember he beat Janowicz at US Open about four years ago, then struggled, now is obviously finding his footing — good result for Harrison to final in a Challenger, he really needed that kind of positive result after the terrible summer and bombing out at US Open vs RRam with the gift WC into main draw —
Moskova Moskova · September 21, 2015 at 12:31 pm
generally agree with both dan & scoop on this one….very tough to tell now as some use juniors as a spring-board and some peak out at junior level.
Bryan · September 21, 2015 at 6:36 pm
From Dan’s list I’ve got 1 Coric and 2 Zverev. From what I’ve seen of them and the others these two have the most upside and best current game. Was suprised Zverev busted at US Open, I thought he had a chance to breakout into the public’s awareness there.
Tiafo is probably America’s best chance but I don’t see as much upside to him as the Croatian and German.
Scoop Malinowski · September 21, 2015 at 8:20 pm
Bryan, Zverev lost in five close sets to Kohlschreiber at US Open, which is hardly a bad loss, we know how tough and consistent PK is — keep your eye on Hyeon Chung —
Moskova Moskova · September 22, 2015 at 9:13 am
a korean #1. haha that’ll be the day..
HC does have a lotta upside potential though – let’s see how high he can go or has he reached his peak ??
Dan Markowitz · September 22, 2015 at 9:29 am
Chung is 18. He’s already chewed and spit out the Challenger circuit. He could’ve taken a set off of Wawa on Armstrong at the Open, I think he lost in 3 breakers. The kid has game and like Shrichapan, he’s tall and has powerful legs. I like his game a lot. He’s not a re-director like Coric. He hits winners.
Moskova Moskova · September 22, 2015 at 10:07 am
not uncommon for kids to burnout physically or mentally – so let’s keep a sharp eye out for HC
Dan Markowitz · September 22, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Name me one top 18 year old who burned out on the pro tour? That doesn’t happen. We might find out they’re not good enough to be a high-flight player like Harry, but top 18 yr olds are past the burn out phase. If they’ve made it this far, they’re not going to burn out.
Scoop Malinowski · September 22, 2015 at 1:31 pm
Ashleigh Barty the young Australian is out of pro tennis now and she’s already played in a major doubles final and was at one time a major prospect – she isn’t even 20 yet and she’s off the tour – google her —
Moskova Moskova · September 22, 2015 at 3:13 pm
generally teens that are not good enough get burnt-out physically and disappear. prlly wont even hear about them on the satelites. and the ones with better physicalitities (power, strokes, endurance, etc.) but can’t deal with losing, competition, discipline, etc., get “burnt-out” mentally and struggle. prime example is our beloved harry.
Scoop Malinowski · September 22, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Rebecca marino of Canada was another player who just quit at around age 22 – she got to around top hundred and had enough – tough sport –
Dan Markowitz · September 23, 2015 at 3:11 pm
My 9-year old son, Callum, just got invited by the Eastern Section of the USTA to compete in a 10 and Under team event at the College Park, Md. USTA regional tennis center where Kudla and Tiafoe trained and the great Ray Benton presides. I’m really proud of him as he’s not even 9 1/2 and he’s one of 4 10U kids invited to compete in singles, doubles and Mixed (Scoop will like that) for the Esstern section against the Mid-Atlantic, Southern and another section. This is like mini- Davis Cup for kids.
jg · September 23, 2015 at 5:06 pm
Go mid Atlantic, Dan let me know when you are coming.
Hartt · September 23, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Marino quit tennis because she suffered from clinical depression, so it was a different situation than burnout.
Was glad to see someone mentioned Felix Auger Aliassime. The kid is just 15, so it is too early to make bold predictions, but there is a lot to like about this young player. He and fellow Canuck, Denis Shapovalov, who is 16, just won the boys doubles at the USO.
Scoop Malinowski · September 23, 2015 at 7:08 pm
Congrats to Cal that’s a fantastic accomplishment, he really is an elite junior, when is the event?
Scoop Malinowski · September 23, 2015 at 7:11 pm
Hartt, do you think the pressure on Rebecca to keep her ranking and to win played a factor in her depression? She is a typical normal nice young lady – we did a Biofile – could it be that the intense pressure and stress on a marginal fringe player got the best of her? Felix is arguably the best young tennis prospect since Rafa Nadal —
Dan Markowitz · September 24, 2015 at 8:57 am
Planning now to drive down to D.C. area on Friday Oct. 9. When’s the best time of the day, Jon, to make that trip? Would you suggest leaving at 2 or 6 traffic-wise?
The competition at the JTCC in College Park, Md. is on Saturday and Sunday. The final two rounds of singles are on Sunday morning. Should be a cool event, each section has a coach and in between playing singles, dubs and MXD, the coach runs the players through drills. Definitely looking forward to it. Going to bring down my stick so hopefully we can hit some balls either at JTCC or another court.
jg · September 24, 2015 at 8:51 pm
I would leave at 2, I am in town that weekend, so let’s touch before, the tennis center is easy to get to off the beltway or from DC even metro stops nearby
Dan Markowitz · September 24, 2015 at 9:53 pm
They put us up at the Holiday Inn in College Park so we’ll be there Friday and Saturday and possibly Sunday night. The event is called the Capital Clash and I look forward to getting back to DC as I haven’t been there in a few years. I will definitely touch base that week before we come down.