Posted by Matthew (GBR) on 18/9/2009, 9:19 am
91.109.142.135
Now I'm not so good at reading detail but have I missed something here ?
We seem to be going into the DC tie with the number one and number 5 singles players and very little chance in the doubles.
I know the story was that Goodall has been struggling with a virus so he was dropped from the six original picks. Clearly this is a bit suspect as he has been playing this week. Although he should be expected to win his current event against what is a weak field....he is doing exactly that ! Winning. Despite a "virus." Lets see how he goes against the other cast off (and last person to win a DC match) Chris Eaton. they play in the semi's.
I suspect that Goodall being dropped has little to do with illness or merit. My guess is that the LTA still dislike him for pointing out their failings in the past. Lloyd still dislikes him because...Lloyd is a prat AND Randy Murray simply says what he wants and Lloyd jumps up and says "yes andy, of course). That is why Fleming comes in for a payday and Goodall is left in the cold.
It used to be that they had a competition to see who was the most in form player to get in DC.... what happened to that ? Ah yes, that was just when they were trying to justify picking someone other than the highest ranked player - a bit like the "virus" excuse.
Frankly I think Goodall should ignore DC and get on with winning ranking points.
Now James Ward..... Is he injured ? He is ranked in the top 200 (could be handy that !) and has been in reasonable form recently. Why is he passed over for being in the top 4 for the tie ?
We have little chance in the doubles. Really, it is most unlikely to happen. Even if it does it puts Murray at risk in the reverse singles. Three matches in 3 days ? Surely the third win (including two Murray singles) must come from the other singles matches. What stands between Relegation and survival is a 19 year old on debut - Dan Evans. The world number 302. A lad with no track record of success in major tournaments. A young man used to playing matches in front of 30 spectators.
Boggo crumbled under the pressure of DC. Goodall (when finally begrudgingly he was allowed in) underperformed and Hutchins, Jamie Murray etc were never good enough. Now they are throwing another first timer into the mix.
Good luck Dan Evans. I think the LTA have put you in a horrible position. You will be ranked lower than both your opponents and put under enormous pressure and there is no-one else to play the other match. It is ALL down to YOU !
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