rain stopped play at 6-6 (*3-4) in the 2nd set

-- Edited by Peter too on Saturday 25th of March 2017 12:34:37 AM

R2: KONTA, Johanna (GBR) 10 11 def SASNOVICH, Aliaksandra Q 120 6-2 6-7(5) 6-4

R3: KONTA, Johanna (GBR) 10 11 v PARMENTIER, Pauline (FRA) 57 CH=40 2008
H2H 2-1
Saint-Gaudens 2014 4-6 7-5 5-7
Nantes 2014 6-3 6-4
Vancouver 2015 6-3 6-1

-- Edited by Peter too on Saturday 25th of March 2017 01:45:40 AM

Sasnovich is no mug and played well. Recently she has beaten Parmentier and Kiki Bertens, both in straight sets.

I agree Jo struggling with optimal length in the second and third sets plus the odd error on critical points in the tie break prevented her finishing it in two. That was a tricky second round draw but bodes well for Parmentier in R3

Jo seems to be way off the form of last year. The first serve is not as consistent and where Jo was constantly hitting deep shots last year, she is making a lot more errors aiming for depth.

paulisi wrote:

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Jo seems to be way off the form of last year. The first serve is not as consistent and where Jo was constantly hitting deep shots last year, she is making a lot more errors aiming for depth.

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Huh? That's a strange thing to say- would love to hear why you think that is. 

Jo in Sydney was incredible winning it without losing a set and went into Aus Open third fave (behind Serena and Kplis) according to most commentators. Had unarguably one of, if not the toughest Aus Open first few rounds beating tricky Flipkins, Osaka and Woz easily, only losing to Serena (who I thought was unbeatable that day). 

Since then decent Fed Cup and then injury. Indian Wells, no biggie - lost to Garcia (very good player) in tight 3 sets. 

I watched last night. It was horrible, no doubt. But it was windy and she was a set and a break up. Should've closed it but didn't - mentally went away and lost the backhand completely but grinded it out in the end. I don't think this should raise alarm bells. 

The only thing that last night did bring to mind (and thinking back to the French Open loss last year to Georges) was that when the conditions don't favour her, or she's just not connecting, there doesn't seem to be much of a plan b. I'm not sure that's a massive problem but I do think if you want to be solid top 10/5, you need to be a player that can work out a match during it and sometimes that means shifting tactics and play. 

 

 

First set down the pan, 3-6

Hope Jo can perk up and / or deal better with any further tricky conditions that occur.

But I certainly agree that her year in general to date has again been pretty good and extremely good at times. If overall there is an argument that she is a bit below last year's form that would surely be all it is, certainly not way off. And way above previous to last year.

She began the year extremely well with depth certainly not an issue ( apart from for some of her opponents ) which it can be in wind and excitingly her best remains very good indeed.