GSTT Davis Cup Boise

There are so many great things about the Davis Cup, and this past weekend’s tie in Boise certainly did not disappoint. Exploring new places with new people, eating amazing food, and watching world class tennis are just a few of the highlights, but you can’t break down such an event so generically.

From the moment we arrived in Boise, we were showered with locals’ smiles and hospitality. We were greeted by one of the most interesting, cleanest cities that we have ever been to, and we were presented with one of the more intriguing David Cup match-ups in recent memory. The Serbian team would typically boast one of the strongest lineups in the world, but without Tipsarevic, they’re far from invincible. The Americans, while brimming with talent, decided to showcase their tall, underachieving bombers at singles and the greatest doubles tandem in history fresh off a loss in Jacksonville.

Assuming Djoker would win his two matches, if Isner moved his feet a little bit and managed to win a few tiebreakers, and Querrey kept reaching to fill the potential he’s been showing of late, I figured we would still have a shot! I mean, the Bryans certainly couldn’t lose, right? Of course not. Wait, what? They did? Nobody saw that one coming. They were flummoxed in five incredible sets by Nenad Zimonic (one of the greats) and an absolute no-name, Ilija Bozoljac, who served with the confidence, pace, and variation of Pete Sampras.

Gotta hand it to the Serbs on that one, it was one of the best doubles matches I have ever seen. At that point, the Americans’ confidence ran out and the already pathetic support from the American bench became downright uninterested. It was embarrassing, really. It was no surprise that Djokovic then clinched the tie in downright convincing fashion on a bum ankle, no less.

Luckily, here at Grand Slam Tennis Tours, we don’t attend these event just for the tennis, but for the tennis travel experience. Where the Americans’ tennis fell short, the experience for us and all of our clients exceeded expectations. From our beautiful hotel located in the middle of downtown, to our tremendous dinner at Chandler’s Steakhouse, and a private party and raffle after Saturday’s tennis during the Final Four, Boise helped us play host to a very special weekend.

Typically, our clients are big tennis fans, some fanatical, and some completely obsessed with the game. On this trip, however, one of our most excited clients hardly knew anything about tennis before she got to Boise, and left an avid fan. Hearing her version of the weekend is much more compelling than the ramblings of someone surrounded by the game for twenty years, so with that, meet Kris Carpenter!

“I mostly wanted to come to the Davis Cup because I love catching bits of TV with the tennis stars when they make the crazy “HuuuuH!!” sounds when they hit the ball. Just wanted to hear it myself for real. I’m not a tennis player, didn’t know much about tennis, and didn’t even really know what the Davis Cup was – besides a tennis tournament between really good players who play on teams for their countries. My 87 year old mother-in-law, Janet (Granny) Carpenter is a tennis fanatic! Granny started talking about the Davis Cup being in Boise a couple of months ago. How she’d love to go. How amazing it was that it would be in Boise. How some of the best players in the world would be playing. Then she said this really great company was doing a trip there. (She’s done other Grand Slam Tennis Tour trips before.) She said they always get the best seats, stay in really nice hotels, that you meet really interesting people from all over the country, and that they really take good care of you. Oh and that the tennis is unbelievable because you are up close and in the action. So, since no one else was offering to go with her, I said, “Hey, I’ll go with you.” Done deal.

Kris’s Grand Prize raffle win of a free trip to the next USA home Davis Cup Tie

She was right. Grand Slam Tennis Tours was quite a big deal. They chose a great hotel in a nice location. Nice because it was close to many local sights, restaurants and shopping when we weren’t at the matches. The first night they hosted a really nice dinner for all the tour guests to give us a chance to meet some of our new tennis mates. The shuttles to and from the matches were provided. And the seats were the best! Front & center. Being that close, I was in awe of the amazing physical shape the players are in. (Still can’t believe Novak Djokovic played and won after twisting his ankle like that.)

So, I can now keep score, pronounce a few Serbian names, and know why it’s so addicting. Unbelievable! After the nerve wracking doubles match, GSTT took us to a Pub to watch the Final 4 Basketball and treated us to drinks and food (again). They gave away a ton of prizes to their guests that night. I am so lucky! I won the GRAND PRIZE!!! A trip for 2 to the next home USA Davis Cup tie!

So, don’t be thinking that my mother-in-law didn’t immediately let me know why I was there! Now we both have something really special to look forward to!”

All in all, the Davis Cup in Boise was an excellent event. We saw incredible tennis, made new friends, and got to know a beautiful new city. A big thanks from the GSTT team to all the clients who traveled with us, and we hope to meet more of you on our tours in the future!

Curtain Bluff, an exclusive, luxurious resort located on Antigua, is offering a week-long “Fantasy Tennis Camp” from April 29^th – May 3^rd. Former US Open Champion and #1 player Tracy Austin will team up with two time Australian Open Champion and World #7 Johan Kriek and former ATP Pro Taylor Dent to welcome adult players ranging in skill from recreational to tournament level. The event will include 5 days of topnotch instruction and match play, a welcome party, a tennis exhibition and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the resort and the island of Antigua alongside tennis legends. All-inclusive rates start at $885/night at double occupancy (tax and service charge not included).

They’re also hosting “Antigua Tennis Week” at Curtain Bluff Resort from May 11^th – 18^th where you can join International Tennis Hall of Famer “Fiery” Fred Stolle and former Aussie champions Ross Case and Owen Davidson for an incredible week of tennis.

Ready to pack your bags? I sure am. If you call to book either of these vacations by April 1^st, mention Grand Slam Tennis Tours and receive 10% off your entire stay. 888.289.9898.

If you’re unfamiliar with Curtain Bluff Resort, it’s a gorgeous property sitting on a rocky promontory flanked by water and beaches on both sides – one side calm, ideal for swimming and watersports, while the other beach is washed by ocean surf. With only 72 rooms and suites, all with staggering seascape views, this intimate, all-inclusive resort boasts two restaurants: the open-walled Tamarind Tree serving breakfasts and candle-lit dinners, and the Beach Cafe & Bar, where barefoot-casual lunches are enjoyed one step from the sand and a few feet from the water’s edge. The resort’s exceptional facilities include a championship tennis center, a fully equipped watersports center (scuba, deep-sea fishing, Windsurfing, paddle-boarding, waterskiing, Hobie Cats and kayaks), a squash court and fitness center. When it’s time to relax, there’s a tranquil spa overlooking the sea, a beachside swimming pool, a beach bar, and hammocks swaying in the shade of coconut palms.

Call today to take advantage of this amazing opportunity at one of the finest resorts in the world! 888.289.9898

by: Jim McLennan of Essential Tennis Instruction

Imagine a packed house, electrifying tennis, raucous cheering for most every point played, and the potential for an entire weekend of tennis culminating in a Sunday afternoon singles match, with both players scrapping for every point, and the score two sets all, and 5 games all in the fifth and deciding set of a Davis Cup tie.

Davis Cup brings an entirely different level of energy to professional tennis. Personally I have been to Wimbledon, the BNP Paribas, McEnroe exhibitions in New Orleans, as well as two Davis Cup ties one in Portland where we won the Cup, and one in Birmingham Alabama – but truly nothing matches the look, feel and excitement of Davis Cup. In Portland, I met many many people who said this was their fifth, eighth or even the tenth tie they have attended. Why? Because of the potential for searing drama.

The United States hosts Serbia, featuring world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, in a Davis Cup quarterfinal April 5-7 at Taco Bell Arena in Boise Idaho. “Obviously for tennis, this is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to Boise and the state of Idaho. … The community is just going to love it,’’ said Patton, part of the organizing group that worked to bring the international match to Boise. And a note, Greg Patton and the Boise community will work to pack the Taco Bell Arena on the campus of Boise State University.

The Americans earned the quarterfinal meeting with Serbia with a dramatic 3-2 first-round victory over Brazil Feb. 2 at Jacksonville, Fla. that was capped by a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) men’s singles victory by Sam Querrey over Thiago Alves.

The other three match-ups for the April 5-7 quarterfinals are France vs. Argentina, Canada vs. Italy and Czech Republic vs. Kazakhstan. This year’s semi-finals are set for Sept. 13-15, and the finals Nov. 15-17. Last year, the Czech Republic defeated Spain 3-2

The American squad is led by 16th ranked John Isner, 21st ranked Sam Querrey, and the world number one doubles tandem of Bob and Mike Bryant. And before you think Serbia may pose too daunting a threat, note that both John and Sam have posted wins over Novak Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic. This Davis Cup tie is anything but a sure thing.

For more information, and to order your Davis Cup package from Grand Slam Tennis Tours click here.

The USTA has announced that Boise, Idaho will be the setting for the quarterfinal tie between the United States and Serbia, April 5-7. It will be played at the Taco Bell Arena on the campus of Boise State University, which has a capacity of approximately 11,700. This will be the second tie played at home after winning a tight first round against Brazil in Jacksonville, FL.

What was assumed would be an easy first round (wrongly so, apparently) for team USA, with John Isner and Sam Querrey’s dominating wins over Thiago Alves and Thomaz Belluci the first day, turned into an exciting weekend at Veteran’s Memorial Arena. Brazil’s Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares battled back on Saturday to keep their team alive. The undaunted pair impressively took out the world’s No. 1 ranked doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan, who are the most successful doubles duo in Davis Cup history, with a record 20 wins and only two losses when playing together. With the overall score 2-1 to start the final day of singles, Belluci beat Isner in five sets, leaving it up to Sam Querrey to win the final tie in four sets against Alves.

For a more detailed recap, check out the video highlights.

The best-of-five rubbers between the U.S. and Serbia will begin on Friday April 5 with two singles matches. Saturday will feature the doubles rubber, and Sunday will include the two reverse singles matches. This will be the third home tie for Jim Courier, the U.S. Davis Cup Captain, and the fourth home tie for the U.S. since 2009. The U.S. holds a 110-16 all-time record for Davis Cup ties played at home. Idaho is the 34th state to host a U.S. Davis Cup tie.

The upcoming tie will only be the second meeting between the U.S. and Serbia in Davis Cup competition. Serbia previously won 3-2 in the 2010 World Group First Round in Belgrade with a team led by Novak Djokovic. Serbia is only one of three countries to have a winning record against the U.S. Davis Cup team.

With this tie being held the weekend after the Sony Open in Miami, we will hope to see names like Djokovic, Tipsarevic, Isner, Querrey, and the Bryan Brothers.

The winner will play in the semifinals, September 13-15.

USA will play Brazil for the first round of the 2013 Davis Cup. It will be held in Jacksonville, Florida from February 1-3 at Veterans Memorial Arena. This will be Brazil’s first time in the World Group in nine years, beating Russia 5-0 this past year in Sao Jose de Rio Preto to secure their spot.

The 2012 season was one to remember for the US Team. They won two difficult away matches, the first round tie in Switzerland where Fish defeated Wawrinka and Isner beat Federer in two long, arduous rubbers. The tie ended 5-0. USA then went on to beat France away in the quarterfinals, again Isner winning two big matches against Simon and Tsonga to clench a 3-2 win. Ultimately, USA fell to Spain 1-3 in the semifinals, the only win coming from the Bryan brothers. Spain will play the Czech Republic in November for their sixth Davis Cup title, a rematch of the 2009 final where Spain won 5-0.

The tie against Brazil will be the first one at home for the Americans since their loss to Spain in Austin, TX in 2011. USA has an all-time record of 109-16 in Davis Cup events played at home and 6-0 in Florida. This will be the seventh Davis Cup match played in Florida and the first since USA defeated Sweden 4-1 in 2004 at Delray Beach. Brazil and the US have met on four previous occasions, the last one in 1997 when Jim Courier led USA to a 4-1 away win over Brazil. USA leads the overall series 3-1.

“There’s nothing like playing Davis Cup in your home country,” Courier said. “We were very happy to draw a home match. This could be a great opportunity for players like John (Isner), Sam (Querrey) and Ryan (Harrison) to experience a home court advantage for the first time in their Davis Cup careers.”

Looking at numbers, the odds are in favor of the US team, the most decorated team with 32 championships. Although the official nominations aren’t in until 10 days before the tie begins, we all have a good idea of who will be on the US’s team: Isner, Querrey, and Harrison for singles, and the Bryan brothers for doubles, both of whom have outstanding Davis Cup records. The guy to watch out for on the Brazilian side is Thomaz Bellucci. This past season he has beaten some top 10 ATP players, including David Ferrer and Janko Tipsarevic.

If the Americans advance, they would host either Serbia or Belgium in the Davis Cup quarterfinals April 5-7. My bet is on Serbia, which will make a tough match for the Americans. But we won’t worry about that just yet.