Davis Cup showdown at Eric Bell Centre

Jamaica’s five-member team comprised of Blaise Bicknell, Rowland ‘Randy’ Phillips, Jeremy Miller, Daniel Azar and David Goldsmith will go into action today against Barbados in Davis Cup Group II with the tie set to serve off at 11 a.m. at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre.

Earlier this week Tennis Jamaica President John Azar said the courts are ready for the clash and the venue will be totally transformed in keeping with ITF specifications for hosting the tie.

“We will definitely create the stage at Tennis Jamaica as the centre will be transformed to accommodate up to 1,000 fans per day and definitely we are hoping and expecting a very strong and vocal home crowd,” Azar said.

Jamaica will enter the tie ranked at 65 while their opponents, Barbados, are listed at 56 but Azar remains confident.

“We are looking forward to witnessing two great days. The ball is round and we’re confident as we aren’t taking anything for granted. We are full of confidence that we’ll come out on top at the end of the tie,” he said.

Ahead of today’s crucial clash, the country’s number one ranked player, Blaise Bicknell, said at yesterday’s draw at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel that he is raring to go against his opponents.

“Preparation has been going great and I’ve been working really hard with my team and we’re just really excited to get going,” he stated.

Bicknell, who will open against Barbados’ Kaipo Marshall, stated that he normally does his scouting report on his opponents beforehand and then decide his game plan. He added that he’s also in peak physical shape to give of his best over the two-day affair.

“I’ll find out what their likes, dislikes and what their patterns tend to be. I’ll therefore use that to my advantage and decide my game plan. I’m in tip-top shape as I played five matches last week against players ranked inside the top 200 in the world,” he stated.

Teammate Rowland ‘Randy’ Phillips, who will lock horns against Barbados’ number one ranked player Darian King, explained that he knows a lot of King’s game, which he respects, but will ensure that he leaves it all on the court.

“It’s been strong (preparation) I’m feeling fit and strong and I’m happy for the last two weeks of strong preparation. There’s always nerves, for sure, as you want everything to go well but not overly nervous where it’s becoming stressful. I know a lot about my opponent, both on and off the court, he’s a great player and you have to respect that. However, I’m going out there to fight and feel really good going into the match,” Phillips shared.

For Barbados’ top player Darian King, who sported a strapped right knee, stated that despite suffering a ‘minor’ injury he’s up for the challenge that hosts Jamaica will throw his way.

“In my first tournament of the year I had a minor injury but that’s how tennis goes. Despite that I would like to thank my Barbados Association and team for giving me the opportunity to prepare for this. Pressure is a privilege, pressure is what you play the sport for and this is one thing I enjoy, so I’ll definitely be up and ready for the challenge,” King explained.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com

Today’s matches

(Action starts at 11 a.m. home players named first)

Blaise Bicknell vs Kaipo Marshall

Rowland Phillips vs Darian King

Sunday’s matches

(Action starts at 11 a.m.)

Doubles:

Blaise Bicknell & Rowland Phillips vs Darian King & Haydn Lewis

Reverse singles

Blaise Bicknell vs Darian King

Randy Phillips vs Kaipo Marshall