Sporting News and Events

On the opening day of the Euro/Africa Zone Group One tie, Britain made a miserable start by losing both the opening matches. After John Lloyd’s team lost 2-0 to Ukraine he remarked that it was a long journey for Great Britain in the Davis Cup and they have a mountain of a task to complete after losing both the matches. He further added that he would have been much relieved if they had levelled 1-1 before entering into the doubles.

Lloyd said though they were 2-0 down, it was a pleasure to watch those youngsters as they were a little short. He further added that though he did not like the result but the experience was enjoyable.

After Josh Goodall lost against Marchenko three tie breaks 7-6(7-5), 7-6(7-5) and 7-6(7-2), he admitted that his tactics were not effective where he went wrong, but said that he was handicapped because of the slowness of the court. He said he could not adjust to the pace of the court and it was slow which he did not like. Perhaps Goodall should switch shoes and go with some lighter Nike Air Zoom tennis shoes, or perhaps he should stop making excuses. He further added that the settings of the court were perfect for Andy Murray, who has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Contest at the last moment due to bad health. He concluded that though the game but nevertheless he enjoyed every moment of his debut Davis Cup action.

He also thanked the crowd and said that during the second set when he was double-break down, the crowd could have turned as it appeared at that moment that the match had completely slipped away, however they supported him and carried on which he said was a great feeling.