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Davis Cup: Great Britain v France Day 2 Predictions

By Geoff Nichols

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Davis Cup: Great Britain v France Day 2 Predictions

Day One Summary

The unique passion that the Davis Cup elicits was in full view on Friday. Day one of the tie between Great Britain and France may have been held at the Queens Club, a venue steeped in history and traditions, but there was a real party atmosphere at the grass courts in west London.

Hopes of another big scalp for James Ward seemed promising early on, but as many predicted Gilles Simon proved far too solid. The top ranked Frenchman is so at home on the grass and was buoyed on by some vocal away support to get the straight sets win.

Gilles Simon beat James Ward 6-4 6-4 6-1

Then was on to the big clash of the opening day. Questions were being asked of Andy Murray’s mental and physical well being after a trying Wimbledon fortnight but he looked as focussed as ever representing his country. Both he and opponent Jo Wilfried Tsonga did take heavy falls, not affecting this match but maybe adding to the drama over the weekend.

Pundits speculated that the effect of the falls would more likely be felt tomorrow than immediately after when the adrenaline is pumping. The thinking was that Murray in particular might be forced into sitting out the doubles rubber if his groin is at all troublesome.

Andy Murray beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 7-6 (12-10) 6-2

Great Britain and France are level at 1-1

Teams

Great BritainFrance
1: Andy Murray (3)1: Gilles Simon (11)
2: James Ward (89)2: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (202)
3: Jamie Murray (20, doubles)3: Richard Gasquet (13)
4: Dom Inglot (40, doubles)4: Nicolas Mahut (22, doubles)
Captain: Leon SmithCaptain: Arnaud Clement

Day Two Preview

The initial nominations for doubles suggest that Dom Inglot and Jamie Murray will play for Great Britain, whilst France will opt for Richard Gasquet and Nicolas Mahut. This can change up to an hour before play begins at 1 pm BST and both captains will understand the importance of the rubber.

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With Andy Murray favourite to win his second singles tie and Tsonga likely to dispatch Ward, for all intents and purposes the doubles match looks to be the decider. Will the Murray brothers therefore opt to play together to try and clinch the tie for their country?

Gasquet and Mahut looks like the likely combination for the French, with Simon not the most versed doubles player. Tsonga could have been in with a shout, holding an impressive doubles record and wielding a great serve, but he required a medical timeout in the singles and will likely be rested.

Doubles specialists Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot seem to have a nice mix of finesse and power, but if Andy Murray wants to play, he will. This is likely to be at the cost of Inglot, who hasn’t played that much tennis in recent months. Ward will not play the doubles tie, that is for sure, whilst Jamie Murray is seemingly the only guarantee for the Brits.

Should the original nominations be accurate, which we think they will, it is a very difficult tie to call. Gasquet, the player least experienced in the doubles, might be the one to watch. Fresh off a Wimbledon semi final, he could either be inspired or fatigued.

Prediction: Great Britain in four sets

Next: Wimbledon 2015: Top 5 Upsets in Men's Draw

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