Completely agree with 'good instincts' - Ali is a very good ball player, good natural ball skills. (In the family, I guess). And nothing will change that.

And in terms of fight, I also completely agree that the competitiveness and anstiness that was very apparent in the 14 year-old seemed to have rather disappeared in the 16 year-old. Although that can sometimes be linked to there being no pressure on the younger player and a whole heap of expectations on the older one. So maybe not permanent.

But the main problem I had was with the evolution of her game and that the aggressiveness and power of shot hadn't improved. At 14 she'd been a very attacking player, really taking on the ball. At 16, it hadn't developed, in fact gone backwards, chipping the ball sometimes on return or when in only a tiny bit of trouble. And, yes, to me that's either because you lack fitness (can't make those last minute adjustments to hit through it), or lack belief, or - just possibly - you're coached by a doubles player (or old-fashioned singles player).

Emma's performance on the court, and in the rankings, continues to be very impressive.

Top 100 and main upward movers (and WTA ranked juniors):

12/02/18

GIRLS

Ali Collins +3 to JWR 65
Emma Raducanu ('02) +36 to JWR 67
Gemma Heath ('01) +1 to JWR 73

Also:

Fran Jones JWR 103, WTA 674
Ola Pitak (age 16) JWR UNR, WTA 1213

Top 100 and main upward movers (and WTA ranked juniors):

19/02/18

GIRLS

Ali Collins -2 to JWR 67
Emma Raducanu ('02) -2 to JWR 69
Gemma Heath ('01) -3 to JWR 76

Victoria Allen ('01) +25 to JWR 162
Esther Adeshina ('01) +11 to JWR 209
Holly Fischer ('03) +219 to JWR 222
Annali Olivelle ('02) +101 to JWR 561
Sonay Kartal ('01) +110 to JWR 604
Elisa van Meeteren ('01) +69 to JWR 617
Holly Staff ('02) +73 to JWR 677
Charlotte Russell ('02) +37 to JWR 763
Eleanor Baglow ('02) +88 to JWR 970
Elinor Beazley +39 to JWR 1218

Also:

Fran Jones JWR 102, WTA 677
Ola Pitak (age 16) JWR UNR, WTA 1213

blob wrote:

---

Sorry if this is covered elsewhere, I couldn't find it:
Do we ever give mention to Joanna Garland, current JWR 15?
I only just realised that she was born in Stevenage, and her father is British.

---

David has mentioned Joanna a couple of times and is probably the best bet for someone who knows roughly what she's up to.

As you say, interesting case.

I always try and keep half an eye on all the half-Brits - you never know when they might just switch (Are you listening Myah Petchey? Evan Furness? Anyone else to whom this applies?)

Emma powers into the top 50 and to be British number one.

Top 100 and main upward movers (and WTA ranked juniors):

26/02/18

GIRLS

Emma Raducanu ('02) +20 to JWR 49
Ali Collins -4 to JWR 71
Gemma Heath ('01) = at JWR 76

Destinee Martins ('01) +9 to JWR 220
Lilly Mould ('02) +65 to JWR 561
Holly Staff ('02) +98 to JWR 579
Marni Banks ('02) +69 to JWR 595
Charlotte Russell ('02) +30 to JWR 733
Tiana Fox ('03) +163 to JWR 1012
Elinor Beazley +98 to JWR 1120
Lily Hutchings ('03) +124 to JWR 1261

Also:

Fran Jones JWR 103, WTA 677
Ola Pitak (age 16) JWR UNR, WTA 1212

Just to note that Adrian Andreev, (BUL), age 16, has just become the first 2001-born boy to win a match in an ATP tournament.

AND: Adrian, of course, was the lad whom George Loffhagen beat two months ago in the Orange Bowl.