By Janice North.
With Team GB progressing to the quarterfinal stage at the 2023 finals in Malaga, but not progressing beyond, it was necessary to play in the final group stage in Manchester this September. However, we found ourselves in a tricky qualifying group for this year’s finals, whereby we were drawn against Finland, Argentina and Canada. In time honoured tradition, an excellent turnout of BATS members duly arrived swathed in our home colours of blue and fervently brandishing Union Jack flags in a rousing show of support.
Our first match was on Wednesday against Finland, where both Dan Evans and Billy Harris won their singles matches convincingly and comprehensively in straight sets, giving us a win for the first tie. Finland then fielded their strongest side for the ensuing doubles match pitting Heliovaara and Virtanen against Skupski and Evans, a tactic that worked for Finland by ensuring a single win for them from this tie.
Our second match took place on Friday against a strong side from Argentina, this time with Jack Draper making his first appearance. However, neither Dan nor Jack could prevail in their singles matches against an inspired Argentinian side, comprising both Etcheverry and Cerundolo, a defeat during which for Jack, he displayed an uncharacteristic show of frustration by repeatedly thrashing his racket to the ground. Jack subsequently and justifiably commented on the unfairness of the tennis schedule, with the Davis Cup qualifiers following so hot on the heels of the US Open, where he of course performed spectacularly well in reaching the semifinals. Following the 0-2 defeat in the singles however, our doubles pairing of Dan and Neal won their match to gain us a valuable point for this tie.
On Saturday our members enjoyed another day off, some going to visit local friends and others taking the opportunity to do a spot of sightseeing around Manchester. I went to visit the Lowry Gallery, which was thoroughly enjoyable, affording me a fascinating insight into the artist’s work and life.
Our third and final tie took place the next day on Sunday, where we were to face the formidable Canadian team. Being the weekend there was a noticeable uplift in attendance and vocal support for Team GB in the stadium. However, Canada were unstoppable and after their first singles victory by Shapovalov over Evans, secured their progression to the finals in Malaga. This was swiftly followed by a victory by Auger-Aliassime over Draper. In the doubles match that followed, it was great to see Henry Patten make his Davis Cup debut alongside the experienced Neal Skupski, especially as Henry rose to the challenge with aplomb, with the pair winning the match for Team GB. We will look forward to enjoying watching many more matches in the future with Henry as part of Team GB.
Sadly the final result for our group was that Team GB finished third in the group ahead of Finland, with just Canada and Argentina (1st and 2nd respectively), progressing through to the finals in Malaga. Team GB will return to play at an as of yet unspecified location for the play-offs at the end of January 2025, which will be in the form of a home or away tie. I am sure many members will be hoping for this to take place at a location offering a little winter sun!
