‘I think I could have done better’
Bicknell on losing the doubles: We didn’t play as well as we wanted to, especially on the big points
Published:Tuesday | February 6, 2024 | 12:06 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica’s number one seed Blaise Bicknell has taken full responsibility for Jamaica’s defeat to Barbados in their Davis Cup World Group II playoff at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre on the weekend.
Coming into Sunday’s final day tied 1-1, after Bicknell defeated Kaipo Marshall 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 and Darian King turned back Rowland ‘Randy’ Phillips 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, the doubles match garnered added importance and the home captain Noel Rutherford opted for Bicknell and Phillips in order to gain the upper hand ahead of the reverse singles.
Although the Jamaican pair started the first set slowly, they recovered to win it 6-3. The second set proved much tighter, nevertheless, the hosts led 4-3 but failed to drive home their advantage and the Barbadians rallied to win the set 6-4.
That pattern continued in the third set with some nail-biting exchanges. However, when it went down to crucial points, the visitors always seemed to prevail and Bicknell thought he let his team down in those situations.
“We didn’t play as well as we wanted to, especially on the big points. I think I could have done better. So I take full blame for that,” he told The Gleaner.
He pointed out that he and Phillips had no other option than to play and try to win the doubles, which was physically draining for the pair who played the singles the day before and were due to play the reverse singles afterwards.
“We didn’t have enough depth. Randy ended up being dead (tired) in the third set. It was unfortunate we couldn’t have John Chin here. So we were short on options. But Randy gave it his all and I am proud of everyone on this team,” he added.
UNDERSTANDABLE CHOICE
Tennis Jamaica president John Azar believes the captain's decision was understandable given the circumstances they were faced with at the end of day one.
“From my perspective that doubles match was crucial. Our captain put the best team out there, realising it was a crucial match.
“Maybe if we were up 2-0 going into today (Sunday), he would have done things differently. But it was tough all round, although we could have won it,” he said.
Although Bicknell defeated King in his reverse singles match to level the tie at 2-2, Marshall overcame the challenge of an exhausted Phillips to give Barbados a 3-2 victory.
“In the last singles match the momentum shifted,” Azar continued. “But there is not any blame to be apportioned. When you have high-performance athletes performing, there has to be a winner.
“We are disappointed but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I told the guys to hold their heads high. I don’t think we are a Group III team.
“Blaise is in fine form and getting better every day. Randy is as solid as you get and we have some good young players,” Azar said.