Great Britain will be led by Andy Murray, while David Goffin will lead Belgium into battle at the Flanders Expo in Ghent. It was also, surely, the point of its existence in the first place. But Belgium’s unlikely path to the championship isn’t the only odd finale in Davis Cup history. However, it was to be Murray’s last tie for two years.
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These are the two countries that contested the 1904 final, but this matchup is much more surprising than their first meeting 111 years ago. It’s taken like five years.
It’s up to the Lawn Tennis Association to capitalise on the surge of interest created by Murray and his teammates, says Matt Dickinson, also in the Times.
Goffin has won 11 of the 13 Davis Cup singles rubbers he has contested, but was beaten on the Tour by Cup rival Andy Murray in Paris last month.
With tight security restrictions – focused on public transport and areas where crowds are likely to gather – still in place in Belgium, the Daily Telegraph reports that the British squad may take a private jet to Ghent in order to avoid any queues. Little wonder, perhaps, that one of he first questions posed to Murray was about security. “But if you ask me, I think Andy Murray is doing all right”.
In a statement, the ITF says it is “taking every necessary step to ensure the safety” of those at the final, implementing additional security measures including a ban on fans carrying bags. “I think we’re all ready to go”. “I hope as many fans can travel over as possible to give us the best support but obviously we understand if people make another decision because of what’s been happening in Brussels”.
“Here in Gent everything seems fine, it’s very quiet and it’s a really nice city”, he said. A team player, yes, but not in a team where some look like they’re not fully committed.
Argentina put out a Serbian team featuring Victor Troicki as their top singles player – an important moment in the competition, as when world number one Novak Djokovic commits to the team, the Serbians become very tough to beat indeed. “But I’ve only played on the court for a couple of hours in freezing-cold conditions”. Great Britain are the favourites for me, I think, with Murray on the team and the fantastic doubles team. “But I liked it yesterday”. I know how that is. It would be well-deserved, as well. I know a lot of fans were staying there and planning on travelling through there. But this is a bit different. I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in the organization.
Steve Darcis: “I feel really good now”.
– Great Britain won their previous encounter in 1963, 5-0-on clay in Brussels.
How he adapts to the quick switch to indoor clay will be crucial for Britain captain Leon Smith.
– Great Britain is the only nation that has competed in all the editions of the Davis Cup since 1900.
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The big factor in Belgium’s favour is that they are playing at home, as they have throughout their unexpected run to the final.
