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USA vs AUS Davis Cup Decider – Controversy Erupts
28 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Bios
By Jayita Belcourt
Controversy erupts in Australia following the host nations heartbreak at the first round matchup of the Davis Cup after Bernard Tomic’s loss to USA’s John Isner 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) in the first reverse singles. In a match that was full of high charged anticipation, with Australia needing to win the match to keep their Davis cup hopes alive in 2016, the 23 year Aussie struggled to build any lasting momentum as he moved sluggishly around the court for most of the first 2 sets against the tall American who dished down 49 aces and clocked his fastest ATP serve at 253km. A normally cool and composed Tomic spat bursts of frustration at change of ends, not only because he was a mere observer to the sheer power of his opponent, but more so because of his fellow countryman.
Yes, we are talking about Nick Kyrgios again. And strangely enough, the 20 year old Aussie didn’t even have to step on a court to earn more time in the press. None the less, the banter is back on about Nick. This time about his withdrawal from the Davis Cup and supposed ‘illness’ that kept him at bay from competing for Australia. And sadly, whilst Bernard Tomic was battling a wrist injury and trying earnestly to do his nation proud, he was also dishing out some harsh remarks to an absent Kyrgios.
Midway through the match, evidently agitated by his performance and the overall situation at end, the world number 20 yelled out “while I’m here, Nick’s sitting down in Canberra. Bullshit he’s sickâ€.
“Two times Nick has faked an illness,†Tomic said to team caption Lleyton Hewitt likely referring to Kyrgios’ late withdrawal from last year’s Davis Cup first round win over Czech Republic in Ostrava.
So was this just banter under pressure? Especially as the one trying to keep Australia’s Davis Cups hope alive in 2016 after a strong semi-final result in 2015? I suspect so. Listening to team caption Lleyton Hewitt on Saturday, there was an enormous amount of expectation on the nation’s top seed and perhaps it was just all too much.
“We need Bernie to win, so it’s pretty simple at the moment. So, you know, that’s obviously our main focus. He’s our number one player, he’s the leader of the team and you know, he played awfully well yesterday and we’re going to need that again out of him tomorrow,†Hewitt said following his loss to the USA’s dominant Bryan brothers in the doubles.
He continued to say “He’s [Bernard Tomic] going to have to serve well. You know, John’s going to serve well. But, you know, Bernie plays a totally different style of game to what Grothy gave Isner yesterday, but, you know, Bernie backs himself over five sets and I think he’ll play well tomorrow.â€
Sadly, it wasn’t to be. True, perhaps Bernie could have played better if he didn’t have a wrist injury. Or perhaps, had Nick Kyrgios been at Kooyong, the situation may have been totally different.
Tomic was asked about his on-court outburst post-match, and it seems the world number 20 is unimpressed with his fellow country man’s intention to play this week’s ATP tournament at Indian Wells that yields self- benefits, namely ranking points and potential cash earnings.
“So now it’s going to be really funny for me to see the next two days whether he plays or not, which I think he will… If he plays Indian Wells, then he’s definitely lost a little bit of my respect,†said a frustrated Tomic.
“I mean, look, I came here, we all knew I had problems with my wrist. I came here, I had pain today a lot. In a situation where it wasn’t Davis Cup I would have pulled out, and not played today with the pain I was playing in. So in this situation today I pushed through, I played, but I’m just going to be really, really interested if he does actually goâ€.
“One of the questions I asked him was ‘are you playing Indian Well?’, and he was like ‘yeah I should. I’m still sick but I’m gonna be better tomorrow’. It’s just weird for me. I’ve said enough. At the end of the day it’s just disappointing to not have him here. He’s an amazing player and it would have been important to have him hereâ€.
It’s an interesting proposition to consider. If Australia had Nick Kyrgios on the court, could they have won their first round matchup against USA? In likely terms, Kyrgios would have been pitted against John Isner first rubber on Friday. With Kyrgios’s latest form after ousting world number 7 Tomas Berdych and world number 12 Marin Clinic only weeks before to secure his first ATP title in Marseilles, it’s a real possibility the 20 year old may have channeled a way through the match to secure a win for Australia. Come Sunday, it would have been 2-1 for Australia, not 1-2 down.
Speculation or not, Australia’s 2016 Davis Cup campaign is over and it’s back to qualification round come September 2016. Flip side, Team USA has now booked a place in the Davis Cup quarterfinals and will face either Croatia or Belgium.
Clearly elated by the results, team Caption Jim Courier could not hide his excitement by the performance of the USA side and their progression to the next round. Post-match he said “well after the last couple of years it’s massive for us. You know, you can’t take any of these for granted. This is a tough match up on paper and it was a tough match up in reality when we stepped on the court. So for us into the second round is – it’s a big dealâ€.
“It’s breathtaking to watch him [Isner] serve the way he did. You know Bernie, I think is one of great return cover players in tennis. I think he gets so many balls back, he’s long and for John to serve the amount of aces that he did today and to serve the quality high percentage that he did all day long in a match that he, you know, obviously was feeling the pressure. It’s Davis Cup last day, you’re going to feel it. He stepped up big for us. He’s done it for us in Davis Cup before and he did again today.â€
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 8:55 am
Gee I wish i was there – to ask Bernie: “Those are heavy accusations you are putting on Nick – how can you be so sure he is faking illness and what would his motive be for dodging this tie? If it was a conspiracy by Hewitt and Nick perhaps was it to battle test Bernie and throw him into the cauldron of pressure? Or was it a way for Hewitt to insert himself into play? If Nick played Hewitt would have had a harder time to rationalize playing himself – I have to admit I am skeptical of Nick’s illness mouth ulcers and back and yet he’s playing Indian Wells – and I do think Hewitt should unretire as a player as we saw he still yearns to fight and battle as a player – he yelled a huge Comeawwwn when Bernie won the dramatic third set vs Isner – I do wonder if Hewitt’s desire to play is causing a silent resentment among his players – Groth stated after losing to Isner that he was ready for doubles but Hewitt benched him – As captain shouldn’t Hewitt be working on developing his players for the future? Put Groth in the doubles and let him learn and gain experience – Hewitt playing the doubles cost Groth future experience and it also damaged his ego – Todd martin said if Isner lost to Bernie he would have been shocked if Hewitt did NOT play the fifth rubber vs Sock – I think most people felt the same way – again if Hewitt did bench Groth and put himself in vs Sock (who he was 2-0 against) I think it would have been a questionable move as it also would have stunted Groth’s growth as a player and hurt his confidence – Hewitt should unretire – he clearly has not lost any desire and hunger to compete as a player – his intensity and desire are as great as ever – Hewitt as a playing captain could cause unforeseen problems for the chemistry of the Aussie Davis Cup team –
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 8:59 am
Hat’s off to Isner for his heroics leading USA – he beat two very dangerous and diversely talented players under huge pressure and on foreign territory – Isner was utterly dominant and even the one set he lost look how hard he forced Bernie to earn it – Isner is on the top of his game right now and this was another huge boost for USA tennis which keeps the momentum going – Fritz Isner and the Bryans are leading the USA tennis cavalry to glory once again –
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 9:54 am
Kyrgios is like Agassi ca. 1990-1991. Remember he tanked against Cahill, went to Burger King, talked about ranking. Kyrgios didn’t tank…but he did the equivalent. Give him nine years.
Kyrgios might be passed by Kokki. Everyone likes Kokki.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 10:17 am
Kokkinakis has shown already he is a big time and big stage star player who gets the job done when the heat is on – Shoulder surgery should be a little bump in the road – but I still have questions about this Aussie Davis Cup team situation – clearly there is major discord and unrest as revealed by Tomic’s startling allegations of Nick quitting – and Hewitt’s desire to still play can’t be sitting well with all the players – I think Groth was somewhat humiliated by being benched for the doubles (and possibly for the fifth rubber vs Sock) – will be interesting to see how Groth proceeds from this point on – the once bright future for the Aussie Davis Cup team is suddenly looking a whole lot less promising right now – I’d guess the next roster for Sept will be Kyrgios and Kokkinakis in singles and Peers/Hewitt for doubles –
Rob · March 7, 2016 at 10:25 am
How about that bomb serve by Isner? – amazing.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 11:15 am
His serve is getting bigger as he gets older Rob – it’s so effortless and lethal even under big pressure he unleashed untouchables that left Bernie just standing there – can envision Isner upping that serve and blasting three or four a game – so frustrating and demoralizing for a player to have to deal with that serve – Right now for the Croatia tie in July who do you pick for the four spots right now? I say Isner Fritz Sock and Johnson or Querrey – the Bryans barely beat a rag tag team in Hewitt/Peers – Johnson and Querrey are a good team and Sock and Johnson could play too – Bryans have to step it up now thru July –
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 11:26 am
Courier would like some clarity for #2 spot. I’d think Courier says to players that a combo of ranking and performance in the masters tournaments will be the basis of his decision.
Despite so much enthusiasm for the Fritz, Sock is now used to the expectations of a high intensity tie. His ranking is also superior and he beat Fritz when it mattered this year. The competition is really between Querrey and Sock, who, again, both beat the Fritz. He is still a 2nd tier u.s. player in a squad of second tier tour players. There’s no good reason to make a spot for him when he hasn’t earned it.
This isn’t the Pat Mcenroe era where you select players based on the buddy system.
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 11:39 am
Hewitt is no ordinary doubles player. He could have stayed on tour and outdone Leander Paes by partnering with an ant to win slams.
Bryans seat is safe. They won and made Isners job easy. There is no way Courier replaces them if the Bryans are healthy.
Like I said I thought they were a questionable choice going into the tie. But they won their match. So it is off the table now, Courier will keep giving then the job until they show they can’t be counted on to keep the u.s. in the tie or putting them on top. If Courier had a reliable number two the Bryans might be benched.
Sock hasn’t shown he isn’t a reliable number two yet. He won his matches on clay in Davis Cup and Tomic is a fine grass player.
I wouldn’t worry about Groth, Hewitt did him a favor. If Tomic hadnt been so bitter he might’ve beat Isner and then Groth would have his shot.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 11:59 am
Hewitt is still a very good player and also a very good doubles player but he hasn’t any special dubs results to show for it – he has played quite a bit with Groth over the last year in Davis Cup and other events but hasn’t come close to being a factor in those events – Hewitt can still hold his own in doubles but even with the best partner I don’t think he could threaten for a major title – maybe in mixed he could if he had the right partner – Hewitt has been a very good doubles player but he’s not in Paes’ league – very few are –
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 12:02 pm
Pmac used the buddy system that one single time regarding Spadea who was unpopular with his teammates – it was very logical and reasonable for Pmac to have benched Spadea for team morale and chemistry reasons –
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 12:03 pm
We are making the mistake of counting close matches like wins. Can’t do that. The 2013 Wawrinka Australian loss to Djokovic was definitely something Wawrinka remembered and Djokovic also when they played in Australia in 2014 and Wawa won. But he still lost the match in 2013 and Djoko won the AO title.
We can’t count Fritz’ near losses to Sock and Qball as wins. They aren’t. They are tough matches where he showed the ability to play higher ranked u.s. opponents tough. But he didn’t beat them and they are his Davis Cup competition. Makes that decision for Courier. It would be dumb to take Fritz over Qball, who beat back the Fritz and won a title already.
We can’t count losses as wins. That isn’t credible.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 12:21 pm
Agree with that Andrew – Dan Kosakowski had a close loss to Kyrgios in Sarasota and now he’s out of the sport – close losses can be inspiring but also heartbreaks – Zverev had a close loss to Berdych in five in Davis Cup this weekend then two days later he had a total dud straight set blowout loss to Rosol in the fifth rubber – Donaldson Tiafoe have close losses lately but they are both struggling now – Federer’s close losses to Djokovic haven’t helped – the thing about Fritz is I think his learning curve is about 90% degrees straight up – and he is improving considerably by the week – and the next time he gets his cracks at Sock and QBall he will win those matches – then again he could be figured out to a degree and hit a wall positive results-wise and stagnate – we will see – But I believe Fritz will continue his fast ascent with all this experience he is gaining –
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Fritz is showing mettle, but in all seriousness he’s got a ways to go, even to crack the top whatever is next. Throwing him into Davis Cup would probably lead to a player revolt. But once he gets his ranking, or if he gets that, establishes a record, proves he’s ready for it, it could be Courier begging Fritz to play. We aren’t there yet. It’s a good moment though and Courier is probably glad to have more options from those he has had the last few years. Within a few months he may be able to tap a deeper well, like Australia.
One reason the Aussie match was a huge disappointment to Australia. If they had Kyrgios we might be talking about firing the whole squad after a loss to Audtralia. Instead we are singing Isners praises, the reliability of the Bryans and how Courier is sitting pretty.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 1:32 pm
If General Courier endured a third straight first round crash out of the Davis Cup his head would have been on the chopping block – this was a huge challenge for Courier and he handled it all perfectly – I have no question about Captain Courier’s credibility and judgement – it’s up to the American players like Querrey Sock Bryans Isner Johnson to deliver – Fritz is definitely a strong candidate for July vs Croatia – Johnson Sock and Querrey have to prove themselves just as much as Fritz does – I’m sure Courier is keeping an eye on Fritz very closely as he has the best upside and potential to become an elite ATP player – if Fritz were to play Rafa in Indian Wells my pick would be Fritz in three sets –
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Sharapova’s announcement? Must be serious.
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Anyone vs Nadal is the opponent is 3 sets. Nadal seriously has slipped. He has become a non tenner in Moskovas words.
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Fritz is not in contention at all for Davis Cup. Courier has three players in the mix which is plenty. Isner, Sock, Qball. If Fritz, others make it interesting, more power to a very capable Courier.
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 3:37 pm
Sharapova seems fine. Drug was banned as of this year. Probably warrants a fine, slap on wrist.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 5:21 pm
Courier is an outside the box thinker – surely Fritz has his attention – Courier has been hugely disappointed by Querrey in his past Davis Cup failures and I think Q Ball is on thin very thin ice with Courier – Fritz has already handled Johnson let’s not forget – USA Davis Cup teaM needs a shake up – it needs an infusion of new blood – it needs a swift kick in the ass – bringing in Fritz is the perfect wake up call for Courier to send to the troops –
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 5:25 pm
Very interesting with Maria Mistakapova – she says she took this “Medication” for eight years and this was a Mistake based on getting the ITF list of newly banned drugs which she Mistakenly failed to check the link in the eMail- sensing daMage control here – every athlete who ever gets caught with a dirty test always has a sophisticated explanation of excusery – but this is shocking news about the highest paid feMale athlete in sports –
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 6:52 pm
Courier is too smart to play Fritz without fritzy earning it.
Rob · March 7, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Yes, yes …..Sharapova…..drugs are bad……..but Scoop, just to return to that serve. I watched the match – there were points I felt sorry for Bern. He was catching them in the chest, on the arms, some he didnt even split step he would just hear a noise and turn his head as a ball was being picked up by some kid. It was a kind of bullying.
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 7:08 pm
Fritz earned it by finaling in an ATP tourney this year – that’s ahead of Sock and Johnson who he has beaten – Hewitt was 18 when he debuted in DC – Nadal was even younger – if Fritz continues to register wins through July at the ATP level I say he’s ready for the Davis Cup pressure cooker –
Scoop Malinowski · March 7, 2016 at 7:10 pm
Rob: Bernie was suffering through the torturous Iznerization process for sure – it’s such a helpless feeling to get served off the court by a lethal server – tennis is a lot of suffering and poor Bernie suffered greatly in this clash vs Isner –
Harold · March 7, 2016 at 8:08 pm
Any scores from the practice matches between Hewitt and Groth? Ha ha
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 9:12 pm
Sock, who beat Ferrer to final before the Australian? Fritz, who lost to Sock, lost to Querrey (both his Davis cup competitors who have experience and both of who also finaled and beat higher ranked opponents to do so), lost to Smyczek, but beat Johnson (who can’t buy a match this year)?
Yeah. Put Fritz in. Not. Not ready for prime time. Plenty good, may even break top fifty in short order, but hasn’t earned it.
Again, Courier isn’t so stupid to recognize his team has five players. Isner, far and away the top u.s. player. Sock or Querrey if Querrey keeps up his recent form, and the Bryans. Then, maybe as a sub alternate, someone else who has more than a handful of tournaments to his name. As bad as u.s. tennis had been in 2014, it isn’t as awful and Courier isn’t so desperate he has to make like the British Davis Cup captain and call up Kyle Edmund (promising as he is) to start a tie. Courier has options including the option not to be desperate and start calling Fritz, Paul, Rubin, Tiafoe, Kozlov, Donaldson etc.
Hail Smee would be a better option that Fritzy.
Andrew Miller · March 7, 2016 at 9:16 pm
Sharapova’s presser was pretty tame. She was in non compliance for twenty days of this year out of her career. Slap on the wrist and a fine.
Dan Markowitz · March 7, 2016 at 9:59 pm
Sharpie’s story is quite suspect me thinks. Apparently, the only athletes caught for taking her drug of preference were Eastern Europeans. And the drug is for heart problems. Why would Sharpie at 18 years old be taking a heart drug? Tennis never penalizes its top players for PED use. Maybe this is the only reason why Sharpie got caught anyway. But the doc who prescribed this drug better be legit.