Bicknell: Make home advantage count in Davis Cup
Published:Tuesday | December 27, 2022 | 1:05 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
In February, Jamaica will host its first Davis Cup tie in over 15 years, when they play Estonia in a Group Three match, and the country’s number-one ranked player, Blaise Bicknell, has great expectations for the match.
Bicknell believes that home advantage will play a crucial role and boost their chances of victory against the 59th-ranked nation.
“I am feeling confident. We just played against some very good players (Caribbean All-Stars recently), but all eyes are now on the Davis Cup, which is in six weeks.
“The team is united and everyone involved is good. So we are just focused on the goal and looking forward to the tournament,” he said.
“There are a few things to work on off the court, but on the court, as a side, we are the best we have ever been,” he said.
“On paper they (Estonia) might have an edge, but we are playing on home soil and the crowd will be there cheering for us; and with the support of the home crowd we have to win.”
The 21 year-old acknowledged that a lot of expectation will be on his shoulders over the tie, but said he is used to pressure.
He also declared that he is in the best shape of his life and with the experience he has garnered playing against top-seeded pros in recent times, he is ready to take his game to the next level.
“Regular thing that (Pressure). Pressure is nothing. I will be going back to school in about a week to train, play a lot of matches to be match-fit. I will be training every day to make sure I am ready.
“I have been pushing myself to a different level nowadays. I have Chris Paul, the best trainer, and he has me in the best shape I have ever been in.
“My results in the last few months have been the best they have ever been. I have played against players in the top 20, and after that experience I see the level I need to get to and I look forward to doing that,” he commented.
“This is the first home tie in over 15 years, and everyone is really excited and raring to win,” Bicknell said.
Jamaica is at 69 in the Davis Cup rankings, while Estonia is ranked 10 places higher at 59.