Davis cup final 2013

by paulcz Wed Nov 13, 2013 9:18 pm

Serbia vs. Czech R. as early as this Friday. Do Czechs have their chance to defend the title from 2012? It looks to be a great fight.
If healthy Tipsy plays then Serbia will be a strong favorite on their home soil. But Tipsy practically does not practice due to his chronical trouble with his heal, Viktor Troicky has got a ban to play. Serbia another player to play singles is Dusan Lajovic, ranked 117.
Czech players to play are Berd, Step, Rosol and Hajek. Step says that he is ready to play all three days including a double on Saturday. He is 34 and still hungry, surely thanks to his new girlfriend Petra Kvitova Big Grin

Serbia's media say that Tipsy isn't going to play, so they suppose that Nole is going to play also three days including the double.

So the big question about Tipsy before the start and chances of both teams could be quite even. The last tennis event of this year is going to start tennisball

by Tenez Wed Nov 13, 2013 9:21 pm

So the question here Paul is ...who will you support?

Your country or your favourite player?

by paulcz Wed Nov 13, 2013 9:42 pm

Tenez wrote:So the question here Paul is ...who will you support?

Your country or your favourite player?

Yeah Ten, that is a good question and not easy to answer.

I know that cheering against Nole is not going to happen from my side, then I am not a fan of freakish Step and also don't like robotic Berd's game.

To sum it up, I look forward to watching Nole's matches, hopefully playing also the double on Saturday and will be curious how other single matches are going to develop. I don't have a problem with Serbia's win and I am also ok if Czechs win.

Practically this weekend can't be dissapointing for me Big Grin

The double seems to be decisive match and Berd with Step have played many winning doubles in the past. There is also big question how Step is able to play all three matches withing three days at his 34 years, not easy. I will need to look at Lajovic's game, how he is consistent and mentally strong. DC final needs mentally strong players, which is a big advantage of Czechs for sure. The final looks to be very entertaining and mentally very tough.

by Tenez Wed Nov 13, 2013 9:48 pm

paulcz wrote:
Practically this weekend can't be dissapointing for me

It's the story of the half full half empty glass. Not disappointing but not fully satisfying either.

I tend to support Federer over French players....but not in a DC!

I love Step! What a talent!

by paulcz Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:07 pm

Tenez wrote:
paulcz wrote:
Practically this weekend can't be dissapointing for me
It's the story of the half full half empty glass. Not disappointing but not fully satisfying either.

I tend to support Federer over French players....but not in a DC!

I love Step! What a talent!

Step's game is really special nowadays and I like it as well. There is lot of emotions and fun Thumbs Up

by Tenez Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:16 pm

http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/257257.html

by noleisthebest Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:27 pm

Paul, you beat me to the davis Cup thread, I was going to wait for the draw tomorrow.

The atmosphere in Belgrade is pretty exciting, with the economy in the pits, most people's good news only come from Nole's wins.
When I was there in September, I saw all matches vs Canada and during the Tipsarevic-Pospisil match a woman who was sitting next to me, a former basketball player was annoyed with Tipsarevic and arguing with her friend about what a loser he was.
The friend disagreed and rebuked her about all that criticism.
Then the first woman said: For Tipsarevic I cheer, but Nole I love.
So, that's the story over there, for all the booing and lack of support he gets all over the world, Nole makes it all up for in Belgrade, it's quite amazing to see.

Here, an American journalist covering Davis Cup weekend, is trying to find someone who does not know what's going on in Belgrade this weeknend (Tenez, watch the clip, there is a bit for you as well)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3vi-60O77M

by noleisthebest Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:34 pm

As for Tipsarevic I'm pretty sure he is going to play, I know he's been injured for a while and gave up Valencia and Paris Bercy completely just to give himself time to recover as he said that winning this Davis Cup is the biggest goal for the rest of his career.
I even heard that his wife is supposed to give birth this weekend, but am not 100% sure about that.
Apparently, Stepanek and Tipsarevic have smoothed over that "finger" incident from last year's Davis Cup SF.

by paulcz Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:44 pm

noleisthebest wrote:As for Tipsarevic I'm pretty sure he is going to play, I know he's been injured for a while and gave up Valencia and Paris Bercy completely just to give himself time to recover as he said that winning this Davis Cup is the biggest goal for the rest of his career.
I even heard that his wife is supposed to give birth this weekend, but am not 100% sure about that.
Apparently, Stepanek and Tipsarevic have smoothed over that "finger" incident from last year's Davis Cup SF.

Nitb, I also believe that Tipsy will play. It is better chance to try Tipsy with a risk than put there Lajovic without any chance. If he is able to play, then he surely will, regardless his current form. But Saturday doubles will be decisive.

by noleisthebest Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:48 pm

Lajovic is actually a really nice player, who's been winning some challengers recently, very old-school tennis, but don't think he'd be able to handle the pressure without the experience.
I even think Nole may play doubles.

by paulcz Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:52 pm

noleisthebest wrote:As for Tipsarevic I'm pretty sure he is going to play, I know he's been injured for a while and gave up Valencia and Paris Bercy completely just to give himself time to recover as he said that winning this Davis Cup is the biggest goal for the rest of his career.
I even heard that his wife is supposed to give birth this weekend, but am not 100% sure about that.
Apparently, Stepanek and Tipsarevic have smoothed over that "finger" incident from last year's Davis Cup SF.

Stepanek has apologized to Tipsy, but I don't think that it has been completely forgoten. The fifth match between them wouldn't be bad Cool

by noleisthebest Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:54 pm

paulcz wrote:
noleisthebest wrote:As for Tipsarevic I'm pretty sure he is going to play, I know he's been injured for a while and gave up Valencia and Paris Bercy completely just to give himself time to recover as he said that winning this Davis Cup is the biggest goal for the rest of his career.
I even heard that his wife is supposed to give birth this weekend, but am not 100% sure about that.
Apparently, Stepanek and Tipsarevic have smoothed over that "finger" incident from last year's Davis Cup SF.
Stepanek has apologized to Tipsy, but I don't think that it has been completely forgoten. The fifth match between them wouldn't be bad

Do yo knwo if it's possible for Serbia to play Lajovic on day 1 against Berdych and then Tipsarevic on day 3 against Stepanek?

by paulcz Wed Nov 13, 2013 11:05 pm

noleisthebest wrote:
paulcz wrote:
noleisthebest wrote:As for Tipsarevic I'm pretty sure he is going to play, I know he's been injured for a while and gave up Valencia and Paris Bercy completely just to give himself time to recover as he said that winning this Davis Cup is the biggest goal for the rest of his career.
I even heard that his wife is supposed to give birth this weekend, but am not 100% sure about that.
Apparently, Stepanek and Tipsarevic have smoothed over that "finger" incident from last year's Davis Cup SF.
Stepanek has apologized to Tipsy, but I don't think that it has been completely forgoten. The fifth match between them wouldn't be bad
Do yo knwo if it's possible for Serbia to play Lajovic on day 1 against Berdych and then Tipsarevic on day 3 against Stepanek?

Yes, if Tipsy is nominated into team among 4 players, then a coach can nominate anybody he wants. If Tipsy is nominated, then Nole will play doubles for sure. Then Serbia should nominate Nole, Tipsy, Lajovic, Nerad, i.e. without Ilija Bozoljac, who has not won one single ATP match this year. Only when Tipsy is able to play two singles, then Lajovic wouldn't be there. So everything goes around Tipsy.

by noleisthebest Thu Nov 14, 2013 9:44 am

Tipsarevic not playing after all, this came through a few minutes ago:

(just read that apparently Obradovic can still play Tipsarevic and change players an hour before the match!!!)

"Change of nomination for Serbia ahead of this weekend's #DavisCup Final: Dusan Lajovic replaces Janko Tipsarevic"

by noleisthebest Thu Nov 14, 2013 10:01 am

One of the things I love about Davis Cup is the collective madness that brings out the best of players as well as the crowd.
There is so much emotion on the court, atmosphere guaranteed to be crazy. From schoolchildren to pensioners, everyone "lets rip" and goes wild.
Some of the best matches ever played have been in Davis Cup.
There are tears, heroes, linesmen cheating for the local team, little gamesmanship tricks, pre-tournament mind-games, all the spices are there for a tasty soup!
It's never boring.

Here's a bit of colour and that atmosphere to get the pandemonium started cracker

NAPRED SRBIJA
SRBIJA
SRBIJARBIJA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YsJ3abRlD4

(this is a famous song written for heroes that died in WWI , now usually played during DC to lift the spirits, it's a march, but it can be danced to as well)

by noleisthebest Thu Nov 14, 2013 10:12 am

Date: 15 Nov - 17 Nov 2013

Venue: Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia

Start times:
Day 1: 1600 hrs (1500 hrs GMT)
Day 2: 1600 hrs (1500 hrs GMT)
Day 3: 1400 hrs (1300 hrs GMT)

Surface: Hard (RuKortHard Tournament MF), Indoor

Court Pace Rating: Medium-slow

Ball: Dunlop Fort Clay Court

by noleisthebest Thu Nov 14, 2013 10:19 am

And a little clip of Dusan Lajovic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nypiPZsef0E

by SayonaRa Fri Nov 15, 2013 12:00 pm

Viktor Troicki: The Fallen Hero of Serbian Tennis

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/sports/tennis/the-fallen-hero-of-serbian-tennis.html

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 2:54 pm

Nole-Step about to start soon.
I actually look forward to seeing young Lajovic take on Berd more.
It's going to be tough for him because of his SBH on the slow surface, but he may get inspired and play relaxed, although it would be hard to in that crazy atmosphere, imagine the shock of him, from empty stands in Challengers to a raucous 20 000 packed madhouse!

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 5:39 pm

That was a routine win for Nole.
Step played quite well, but clearly born in the wrong era.
I saw several games on and off, disappointing, almost exclusive base-line tennis.
Lajovic-Berd will hopefully be more interesting.

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:11 pm

Lajovic doing well, winning even longer baseline rallies SBH very efficient!
Just won his service game to love, 3:3. Hope he keeps up fitness wise.
Go Duci!!! diva

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:18 pm

I just remembered, I actually wrote a little thread about Lajovic ages ago on v2, will try to dig it out!
Found it:

http://www.606v2.com/t17056-dusan-lajovic?

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:33 pm

Poor Lajovic paid for inexperience and choked the serve and set away Sad

At least he is playing the nicest tennis of all 4 players today, although he is ranked 117th! surfer

by Tenez Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:35 pm

Yes I remember...looks like he did not fulfil his potential....once again.

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:39 pm

Tenez wrote:Yes I remember...looks like he did not fulfil his potential....once again.

Still, he made it to 117, started winning recently, have a look at the match if you've got the time.
FH less loopy now, BH a breath of fresh air, 4 BHDTL winners in the 2nd set already! Bubbly

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 6:51 pm

Poor Duci paying for his amateur fitness level and gets broken...
Such a shame, was playing really well.

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:29 pm

2 sets and a break down, Lajovic still fighting like a lion,
GO DUCI!!! tennisball

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:55 pm

And that's it.....good match and attitude from Lajovic, who is still quite behind in his footwork.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching him play, esp his BH. Hope he builds on this experience and moves up in rankings next year, there are worse players than him there...

Tomorrow it's doubles, crucial match, whoever wins it, wins Davis Cup.
It will most likely be Zimonjic/Djokovic-Stepanek/Berdych.
Should be a fantastic match!

by paulcz Fri Nov 15, 2013 8:18 pm

So, the first day and everything went as expected and score 1:1. Doubles is waiting and says everything.

Just thinking who will play for Serbia tomorrow. That is a real brain teaser who will play with Nole, in which I firmly believe he will play.

Nole has already played with Zimonjic in DC with Czechs a couple of years ago and it did not work well. Zimonjic looked very nervous and played poorly. So, could be that player Ilija Bozoljac? I like this lineup. Nole on FH side and Ilija on the BH side. IMO the best lineup of Serbia for tomorrow. I need to check on which side Nole has played with Stan W recently.

by paulcz Fri Nov 15, 2013 8:26 pm

Nole played on FH side, so Nole plays with Ilija tomorrow. I am looking forward to watching.
Still I think Czech are favorites. Let's see, everything is possible.

by Tenez Fri Nov 15, 2013 8:29 pm

I must say I find it hard to back one country over the other. I would typically much prefer Czech tennis but Berdych irritates me.

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 9:26 pm

Tenez wrote:I must say I find it hard to back one country over the other. I would typically much prefer Czech tennis but Berdych irritates me.

Serbian team has 2 SBH-ers smiley

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:08 pm

An interesting subplot taking place behind the scenes of this year's DC final.
With Troicki being punished a lot more severely for refusing to take theblood test than Cilic who tested positive (and apparently now it turns out that Cilic was clean, as well ant that his blood sample was mixed up with somebody else's), Djokovic let rip at WADA.

John Fahney, WADA's boss then responded:

"I don't think Novak Djokovic has the faintest idea what we do and if he wants to understand what we do I’m more than happy to pick up the phone and talk to him, if he wants to talk to me. If he wishes to then make a comment I might listen to him but for the moment I don’t think that was an informed statement.”

That's the same guy who turned a blind eye when serena Williams refused testers at her house locking herself in the panic room.

So, after his win this evening, Djokovic expressed further displeasure with WADA.
I found the highlighted words particularly interesting.
Is Nole going to be the whistleblower we've all been waiting for?

"I am not going to call WADA president John Fahey because I know more than he thinks I know
So for me this is a total injustice. It shows again the system does not work and there is nothing that they can say to convince me that it does."

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:10 pm

An interesting subplot taking place behind the scenes of this year's DC final.
With Troicki being punished a lot more severely for refusing to take the blood test than Cilic who tested positive (and apparently now it's turning out that Cilic was clean, as well and that his blood sample was mixed up with somebody else's), Djokovic let rip at WADA two weeks ago, when Troicki's ban was not reduced as much as Cilic's.

John Fahney, WADA's boss then responded:

"I don't think Novak Djokovic has the faintest idea what we do and if he wants to understand what we do I’m more than happy to pick up the phone and talk to him, if he wants to talk to me. If he wishes to then make a comment I might listen to him but for the moment I don’t think that was an informed statement.”

That's the same guy who turned a blind eye when serena Williams refused testers at her house locking herself in the panic room.

So, after his win this evening, Djokovic expressed further displeasure with WADA.
I found the highlighted words particularly interesting.
Is Nole going to be the whistleblower we've all been waiting for?

"I am not going to call WADA president John Fahey because I know more than he thinks I know
So for me this is a total injustice. It shows again the system does not work and there is nothing that they can say to convince me that it does."

by Tenez Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:21 pm

noleisthebest wrote: Djoko: "I am not going to call WADA president John Fahey because I know more than he thinks I know[/b]
So for me this is a total injustice. It shows again the system does not work and there is nothing that they can say to convince me that it does."[/i]

He cannot be clearer!

I am not saying that Troicki should not be banned (I think he should), but Djoko's point is that he knows some have done worse and got away with it....and I don't think he means Cilic.

by N2D2L Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:24 pm

Djokovic is very upset that his good friend Troicki has been reprimanded.

by noleisthebest Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:27 pm

Tenez wrote:
noleisthebest wrote: Djoko: "I am not going to call WADA president John Fahey because I know more than he thinks I know[/b]
So for me this is a total injustice. It shows again the system does not work and there is nothing that they can say to convince me that it does."[/i]
He cannot be clearer!

I am not saying that Troicki should not be banned (I think he should), but Djoko's point is that he knows some have done worse and got away with it....and I don't think he means Cilic.

Exactly!

by Tenez Fri Nov 15, 2013 11:39 pm

Julia Santamaria wrote:Djokovic is very upset that his good friend Troicki has been reprimanded.

Yes very upset because he thinks (and I guess knows) there is injustice. Why that do you think?

by N2D2L Sat Nov 16, 2013 1:10 pm

Tenez wrote:
Julia Santamaria wrote:Djokovic is very upset that his good friend Troicki has been reprimanded.
Yes very upset because he thinks (and I guess knows) there is injustice. Why that do you think?

Because his best buddy got banned Sad

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 1:33 pm

Still no news of who is going to play doubles for Serbia, but a lot of fuss made of Troicki not being allowed in Arena even as a spectator.
He joked on Friday he was going to wear the huge Falcon Serbian team mascot costume and get in like that, and as a result even the mascot has now been banned!
In addition to that ITF has issued a WANTED type of poster with a picture of Troicki and instructed staff at the gates not to let him in.
Pathetic...
A couple of fans wore home-made Troicki face masks and they got some media attention:
http://www.b92.net/sport/tenis/vesti.php?yyyy=2013&mm=11&dd=15&nav_id=777973
Now, apparently people want those masks to be mass-made and worn by everyone in Arena as well as chant Viktor Troicki's name there as loud and often as possible as a sign of support to him.
Turning out to be interesting how Troicki, who beat Llodra 3 years ago in the 5th rubber and won Serbia Davis Cup is turning out to be the huge inspiration and motivation for Serbian team that are struggling without their 2nd and 3rd player.
Will be fun to see how it all pans out today.

SRBIJA!!!!!

Davis cup final 2013 Serbia-france-davis-cup-tennis-2010-12-5-12-40-11

Davis cup final 2013 Serbia-france-davis-cup-tennis-2010-12-5-12-40-11

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 2:10 pm

From ITF's page:

Doubles nomination change
Ilija Bozoljac/Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) v Tomas Berdych/Radek Stepanek (CZE)

Interesting....

Serbia's national team football captain cancelled today's training session and is bringing the entire team to cheer the doubles match today.
Still can't believe Nole is not playing.

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 3:20 pm

Zimonjic has a most wonderful, classic SBH, he returns so well with it.
Great volleyer, too.
They don't make 'em like that any more.... Magic

by N2D2L Sat Nov 16, 2013 3:23 pm

Berdych was superb yesterday, and along with Stepanek really playing well today too.

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 3:40 pm

Stepanek and Zimonjic are old-school doubles players, Berdych obviously has more experience and confidence than Boziljac, who is rushing his shots and making beginner's mistakes.
So far, Stepanek playing best of the 4. Being a bit of a blighter as well, winding the crowd up.

Not looking good for Serbia atm, hope they pick up their game in the 2nd set, because with breaks down, 1st set is as good as lost.

by paulcz Sat Nov 16, 2013 4:02 pm

Berd with Step are by far better players than Zimo with Bozo. If Czechs hold their nerves, no chance for Serbians. Defending of the DC looks very realistic.

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 4:37 pm

Boziljac is terrible!!! Grr

He does not have a clue how to play doubles tennis, I feel sorry for Zimonjic.

by paulcz Sat Nov 16, 2013 4:47 pm

noleisthebest wrote:Boziljac is terrible!!!

It is not only Bozo's blame, Zimo dismissed a couple of balls at the net and also he practically does no returns. I know that net game is a key, but without returns there is no breaks. Czechs pretty stable on serve and returns and Step reigns at the net.

Perhaps Serbians can take at least the third set and the match will get another go.

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 4:58 pm

This is a must win match for Serbs.
Zimonjic is very experienced, has 8 GSs incl 4 Wimbledons, but pressure has unfortunately got to Boziljac who is not used to playing with all this expectation, so that is putting even more pressure on Zimonjic.

They are playing a bit better now, would be good to see another set or two, but so far only one BP for Serbia.

by paulcz Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:44 pm

Czechs deservedly won the doubles and Step will have a great opportunity to clinch it tomorrow with Lajovic.

I think that serve and returns decided the doubles. Zimo failed at the beginning of two first sets, which had a huge impact on the whole match.
It is quite frustrating when a player on serve lose his first serve twice in a row. Then there was an extra pressure on Bozo on his return, because Zimo practically has not returned any first serve.

Nevertheless I think that Czechs would have win even if Nole had played.
Although the final looks decided, there is still to watch Nole with Berdand then old lion Step with young Lajovic. Every match is over, when the last ball is finished, so it is still open.

by noleisthebest Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:03 pm

I must say, I expected a better match, I saw 3 Zim/Bozo matches incl. beating Bryan brothers in the US, and this one was the worst by far.

Pressure to win got to Boziljac, and reflected on Zimonjic as well.
Step and Berd were good, but part of it was Ziki/Iki made them look better than they realistically were.
Unfortunately, they did not even manage to tire Stepanek and Berdych for their singles matches tomorrow.

In hindsight, Nole should have played and the result would have been a lot better.

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