Annoyed by Marc Wickmayer

In just under a month, Belgium will face Estonia in a Fed Cup World Group Playoff tie. The winning team will participate in the world group next year, which, in theory, opens the possibility of winning. So this is an important encounter. When team captain Sabine Appelmans announced the Belgian selection, it was described by the Belgian press as the 'dream team'—Clijsters, Henin, Wickmayer and Flipkens, aka the four best Belgian female Tennis professionals. That, combined with the possibility of a World Group promotion, seems to excite much of the country, to the extent that 10000 tickets have been sold in no time. Yes, I'll be there too.

But one man seems unhappy. Marc Wickmayer, father of Yanina, will say to everyone who wants to hear it, that 'Appelmans needs to choose'; that he's 'tired of the hypocrisy', and so on. His arguments: Clijsters and Henin have not been part of the Fed Cup selection in two years, and his daughter should not be the fourth wheel on the wagon after having been much of the reason why Belgium is playing these playoffs.

Sigh.

Let's check some facts, shall we?

• There are four singles rubbers. There are four players. Appelmans does not have to let any player play more than one singles rubber.
• Wickmayer is currently still the highest-ranked Belgian tennis pro, at number 14. Clijsters (17) and Henin (33) may have been ranked 1st before their respective comebacks, they are not now; and both still seem to be not entirely in their rhythm yet—especially so Henin. Appelmans would be stupid to bet the entire encounter on them.
• Last but not least, let's not forget that the opposition may not be easy. Kaia Kanepi, Estonia's top player, may be ranked 100 now; less than a year ago, however, she was at her career-high of 18. Due to several injuries, a viral ilness, and some bad luck, she has not won much anymore since last may, but she may be a tough nut to crack.

Curiously, Yanina herself does not share her father's opinion. She's been quoted several times as being excited to have Clijstes and Henin on the team, since 'the team is much better with them'. Indeed. Her relationship with her father, is often described as being 'very close'; apparently that doesn't mean they are of the same opinion on everything. Maybe it is time for the two of them to have a little chat on the whole Fed Cup thing, before this gets out of hand. I'd hate for Appelmans to have to make the wrong choices to appease people...