Playing Russia with love: Why Colin Fleming relishes Davis Cup doubles rubbers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.While Russia will be the favourites in all four singles rubbers this weekend, Igor Kunitsyn and Victor Baluda would need to spring a major surprise to win tomorrow’s doubles.
The pair are No 439 and No 440 in the world doubles rankings, while their British opponents, Colin Fleming and Jonny Marray, are at 28 and 16 respectively.
Fleming, whose regular partner Ross Hutchins is being treated for cancer, teamed up with Marray, the Wimbledon champion, at the start of this year. Marray, who at 32 is making his Davis Cup debut, resumed his partnership last month with Fleming, who has won all seven of his rubbers since losing against Ukraine four years ago.
Although playing in the Davis Cup can be frustrating for doubles players, who train for a week but play only one match, Fleming always enjoys it. “It’s a real honour to come out and play for your country,” he said. “In the past after Davis Cup weeks my results have generally been quite good. I get a benefit from the week of training not only for the weekend but beyond that.”
In nine 2013 tournaments Fleming has played with six different partners and won two titles, with Bruno Soares in Auckland and with Rohan Bopanna in Marseille. “Although I’ve played with a lot of different partners I’ve known them all and been friends with them,” Fleming said. “That makes a difference when you have to rely on each other at key moments.”
Fleming is a member of Team Aegon, which supports 21 leading British players. “Team Aegon help with travel and subsistence costs, which are very high,” Fleming said. “That’s been vital in terms of helping me to get to where I am now.”
As Lead Partner of British Tennis, life and pensions company Aegon supports the game at all levels, from grass roots through to backing the British Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams. For more information please visit: www.aegontennis.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments