“Britain are the favorites, in my opinion, because they have Andy in the team”, Federer said in a previous interview.
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That is likely to be the scenario again at the Flanders Expo, beginning on Friday, where despite 13,000 home fans trying to cheer Belgium to their first ever Davis Cup, Britain will start favourites.
Transport and schools were shut and sporting events cancelled while soldiers patrolled the streets because of the “serious and imminent” threat of a Paris style attack. “I just have to forget this match and to think about the matches of this weekend”.
Murray understands fans were set to travel to Ghent via the Belgian capital but understands if they choose not to make the journey in light of the recent security measures.
It has been 111 years since this small European country qualified for the final of the Davis Cup, tennis’ signature men’s worldwide team competition, and has never seen its name adorned on the trophy. “I think once we got here and got into the hotel, came to the venue and saw what it was like, that made everyone more comfortable”.
“I think it’s not for me to give people advice on security”, Murray said. I’ve played a lot of matches for them.
‘Here in Ghent, everything seems fine, ‘ said the 28-year-old Scot, wrapped up like an arctic explorer amid the cold caused by the hall’s doors being open for deliveries. I don’t think about Andy because Andy plays very well on every surface.
Meanwhile Great Britain captain, Leon Smith, must concentrate on selecting his team. Not only that, but without Murray our highest ranked player would be Aljaz Bedene at 45 in the world and (in a comment on talent production, not on Bedene’s nationality) our highest ranked “home grown” player would be Kyle Edmund at 99 followed by James Ward who is 155th. “Business as normal. We’re ready to play on Friday”. I feel like he’s the kind of guy that can handle pressure. For Belgium, it is their first final since 1904 and if they win, it will be their first Davis Cup title.
“We’ve taken so many steps at the stadium to make sure we have the best plan in place”.
There is also the belief that protecting the Flanders Expo, a converted convention center, will be easier than, for example, an open-air soccer match.
Murray talked about what a win would mean for the sport of tennis in Great Britain.
Now they host Britain in what should be a joyous occasion but inevitably a shadow of terror hangs over the tie.
“It would be well deserved, as well”. It’s taken a lot of time and hard work from numerous players, many of the staff, coaches, physios, everyone. But this is a bit different. “The last five years has been a progression from a pretty low place in world tennis to playing for the biggest team competition”.
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The Great Britain team has defeated the top three teams with the most Davis Cup championships to get to the final: United States (32), France (9), and Australia (28). And the paper notes that Britain has not won the David Cup since the Second World War. But, you know, we re here.
