Bicknell, Phillips ready for Davis Cup tie against Barbados
Blaise Bicknell and Rowland “Randy” Phillips are exuding confidence ahead of Jamaica’s crucial Davis Cup Group Two play-off showdown against fellow Caribbean side Barbados at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston on Saturday.
Bicknell, currently the highest-ranked player in the Caribbean with a world rating of 319, has been in impeccable form leading up to the contest.
The 22-year-old, Jamaica’s number-one ranked player, secured his first-ever title success by winning the ATP Challenger Southern California Open title at Indian Wells last Sunday.
Bicknell said he is in excellent physical condition and asserted that he has nothing to fear from the Bajans.
“I am feeling confident in myself because the team is in good spirits, and we are all playing very well. We are all really excited to get going on Saturday.
“They [Barbados] are going to be tough, and it is going to be some exciting matches, but we are very confident that we are going to get the win,” he said.
Bicknell emphasised that playing in front of home fans will boost the team’s confidence.
“We are really looking forward to playing in front of Jamaica and our family and friends this weekend because we know that it is going to be a great atmosphere, and we are all looking forward to playing some great tennis,” he said.
Phillips, also in good form entering the championship, mirrored Bicknell’s positivity entering the contest.
“I am going to go out there and give a good fight. I feel like I am playing very well, so I am ready and fit for the match.
“Fans can expect that we are always going to bring 150 per cent because we are going to come with good intensity and give everything that we have out there on the court and let the results be the results,” said Phillips.