On paper it may well have been third-tier tennis on show in Bath but there was first-class entertainment for all to enjoy in what was a resounding success for British tennis chiefs.
The week had it all. Drama, passion, tears and a cracking atmosphere.
It was not short of narratives; Grumbling Greeks, a collapsing British warrior overcoming the odds to triumph, a rising home-grown star and even a humorously leaky roof made for an eventful week’s entertainment.
Close to 15,000 people came through the Bath University gates this week – a record attendance for this competition – which is essentially equivalent to League 1 football. The support from a city that hasn’t typically been associated with the sport was impressive.
There were some late finishes but even a string of dead rubber doubles that went on until the early hours of the morning were heartily cheered on.
Though the format itself is gruelling, there was a striking bond between the British faithful and a set of – Johanna Konta aside – inexperienced young players.
The International Tennis Federation’s move to significantly reduce home and away ties in the Davis Cup was arguably shown up. Plans to reform the Fed Cup are sensible but it shouldn’t be at the expense of such a wonderful partisan atmosphere.
While much has been critically written about the sudden rise of team tennis events on the men’s side – the placement of two ‘World Cups’ just six weeks apart is indeed farcical – there is something to be said from a British perspective in increasing the volume.
British tennis is set to be without a prominent star for the foreseeable future with Andy Murray’s career coming to an end – Konta and Kyle Edmund both lack the pull of the Scot while the others are yet to really make their mark at the top end of the sport – and this year’s Australian Open, where no Briton advanced beyond the second round, may perhaps serve as a concerning forecast of things to come over the next few years.
In the absence of a superstar, perhaps a concerted effort to promoting the collective is a better strategy.
These, as ever, are interesting times for British tennis.
Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) performance director Simon Timson’s 10-year masterplan to produce future generations of talented Brits will take another significant step forward this week, having appointed the head coaching team of the new Stirling Academy just a week after the Australian Open.
LTA chiefs have remained tight lipped over who has landed the job, but it’s understood that one half of the two-man coaching team will be from overseas when the announcement is made in the coming days.
Nick Cavaday and Louis Cayer have already been placed in the top positions at the Loughborough centre.
Those plans don’t hide immediate concerns over the state of British tennis in the absence of Murray, though Konta has shown signs of recovery at the beginning of 2019 and young Katie Boulter’s impressive displays in Bath hinted at an exciting season ahead.
But any future worries felt somewhat washed away by a terrific event – and set of results. Great credit is reserved for the LTA’s organisation, while captain Anne Keothavong continues to impress as team captain, escaping this fiendishly difficult round robin format for the third straight year.
The international team environment was a joy to behold, with a packed-out crowd inspiring players from all nations to produce some excellent displays.
Hopefully, the momentum gained in Bath can continue with a home tie when Tuesday’s World Group play-off draw is made.
Should that be the case, there won’t be a return to Bath but one can expect another shower of excitement.
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