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Britain Seeks Upset in Davis Cup Qualifier Against India

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Britain's Davis Cup captain, David Lloyd, has chosen a bold lineup for the doubles match against India, considering a change in his original pairing to boost chances of securing a 3-0 lead in the World Group Qualifying Round tie. Tim Henman and Neil Broad were initially selected to face India's top-ranked doubles pair, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. However, Lloyd is mulling an alternative strategy, opting to pair Henman with Greg Rusedski, Britain's top two players, in the doubles match. This tactical decision comes after Rusedki's impressive win over Paes in the singles, securing a 2-0 lead for Britain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Britain's David Lloyd is considering changing his doubles pairing against India to pair Tim Henman with Greg Rusedski, Britain's top two players.
  • The change in strategy comes after Rusedski's courageous win over Leander Paes in the singles, securing a 2-0 lead for Britain.
  • Henman will play the doubles match with Neil Broad unless Lloyd decides to change the lineup, an hour before the match.
  • Paes and Bhupathi, ranked third in the world in doubles, start as favorites to win the match.
  • Britain's next match, if needed, will pit Rusedski against Bhupathi, while Henman is expected to face Paes.
  • Britain's primary objective is to secure a 3-0 lead in the tie and earn a spot in the World Group of the top 16 nations in 2003.

Statistics:

  • Britain leads the tie 2-0 after Rusedski's win over Paes and Henman's victory over Bhupathi.
  • Rusedski defeated Paes in a five-set match (2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 11-9).
  • Henman defeated Bhupathi in a four-set match (4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3).
  • Paes and Bhupathi, ranked third in the world in doubles, are favored to win today's match.
  • Britain's Rusedski is expected to face Bhupathi in a potential fifth rubber, while Henman will face Paes if the match goes to a fifth rubber.

Sources:

  • "Lloyd we could change doubles pairing" by The Daily Mail (exact date not provided)
  • "Britain looks to Paes and Bhupathi in doubles" by BBC Sport (exact date not provided)
  • "Rusedski wins in thriller for Britain" by BBC Sport (exact date not provided)

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