Week 12 - Futures F11 (10k) - Castelldefels, Spain - Wardy seals a place in the top 500!

steven · Tennis legend

RE: Week 12 - Futures F11 (10k) - Castelldefels, Spain

helki · Futures qualifying

RE: Week 12 - Futures F11 (10k) - Castelldefels, Spain - Wardy seals a place in the top 500!

steven · Tennis legend

James has already played Perez Puigdomenech once, losing 4 & 3 to him in qualifying for a Spanish Future back in 2005. He has probably improved more than the Spaniard since then, at a guess.

For further comparison, PP has played Morgan Phillips three times, both have won with a 2nd set bagel, the other one went to three sets, each set very one-way.

James · Satellite level

Well done to James..

Although, like Edward suggested, I doubt this milestone means half as much to him as it does to this board.

Has anybody ever seen a picture of James?

steven · Tennis legend

I'm sure it doesn't, though it does allow him to become an "ATP member" - I'm still not sure what privileges that brings though!

As far as GB tennis is concerned though, because so many players have fallen by the wayside on the verge of reaching the top 500 in the last couple of years, I think two or three of them making in the near future would be worth at least a tiny celebration.

Drew · Mar 21, 2008

Keep it up James !

john · Top national player

James wrote:

Well done to James..

Although, like Edward suggested, I doubt this milestone means half as much to him as it does to this board.

Has anybody ever seen a picture of James?

A few members of the board, myself included, saw him play at Queen's last year. I believe there is also a picture floating about somewhere but not sure where.

steven · Tennis legend

On his LTA player profile - http://www.lta.org.uk/Performance/TopPlayerProfiles/TopPlayersMen/WardJames

James · Satellite level

Cheers Steven.

What did you think of his game John?

john · Top national player

I was impressed. He appeared to have all the tools to have a decent fast court game, although maybe due to his inexperience on grass, didn't quite know how to use them. He has a big serve, great court coverage, good volleys. However, he didn't use those things enough and instead stayed at the back of the court a lot, although that side of his game is pretty good too, hence the decent clay results. He's very tall so with his serve and the potential to cover the net so well, I think he could have a big grass season this year.

Basically, there was lots to work on and plenty of improvements to make but the potential was definitely there to do so. I believe johnnylad also watched the same match I did. What did you think johnny?

James · Satellite level

And based on what you saw and your opinion, at what level do you think he will max out?

Also, do you know if he has a full time coach?

johnnylad · Tennis legend

I saw him vs Dan Evans where he just played solid and ground Evans down.

Also saw Ward vs Vemic where to be honest I thought Ward was the better player. Vemic is a bit of a magician (like Santoro) and just had too much savvy in the end but James served well and easily held his won form the back of the court.

As John said, if he learns a bit more fast court/grass court craft he'll be tough to beat in the summer.

I believe Paul Hutchins also watched the match and seemed impressed. Hopefully he'll organise some help at Roehampton for a few of the lads in May so they can maximise their opps!

Yorkie · Lower Club Player

Wardy will be a big player for British tennis fans in the next few years!

He's a great player, its a shame he's based in Spain though because it means he plays alot of Clay court tourny's and he is much better on Hard courts! as has been mentioned, the faster surfaces suit him down to the ground.

johnnylad · Tennis legend

The El Aynaoui match doesn't start til 17.30 in Spain so its holding up the publication of the rest of todays matches.

steven · Tennis legend

There's no stopping James now

QF: James Ward WR 504 beat Miquel Perez-Puigdomenech (ESP) WR 546 by 6-4 6-7(5) 6-3

SF: James Ward WR 504 v (1/Q) Younes El Aynaoui (MAR) WR 190

This is a rare chance for James to play against a former top 20 player, since El Aynaoui was ranked 14 in 2003. Now 36, this is his first tournament since he reached two Challenger semis last August. James will be the first Brit he has faced since he got thrashed 1 & 0 by Tigger at Cincy in 2004.

However, El Aynaoui will be best remembered by most Brits for his role in our DC tie in Morocco in 2003, when he beat Greg in a close 5-setter and lost to Tigger in four tight sets.

-- Edited by steven at 20:25, 2008-03-21