Week 28 - Challenger ($50k) - Ramat Hasharon, Israel

steven · Tennis legend

RE: Week 28 - Challenger ($50k) - Ramat Hasharon, Israel

Sheddie · administrator

Smeets is quite a nutcase so if it can stay close, Slabba may have a chance. The Aussie has a big serve, likes to get forward but can self-destruct can spectacularly and has done so numerous times this yr. I spoke to his British coach at Surbiton who was then at the end of his tether with his charge's choking and inability to listen to game-plan strategy

imoen · Admin: Moderator+Tennis Legend

lovely to see both of these guys playing and winning at challenger level. looking forward to seeing what they manage tomorrow. :)

Yorkie · Lower Club Player

How about a Wardy Slabba final!

or am i dreaming haha

wolf · Tennis legend

Wardy & Slabba won their doubles R1 by w/o. They now play the 3rd seeds Harel Levy and Noam Okun.

helki · Futures qualifying

The guys have had a walkover in the doubles, so into the next round they go. hmm

Next up for them will be the 3rd seeds from Israel, Levy and Okun. The match is also scheduled for the morrow. biggrin

Sorry wolf! I was interrupted by a phone call and didn't realise you had posted in the meantime. wink

-- Edited by helki at 19:58, 2008-07-08

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

Sheddie wrote:

Smeets is quite a nutcase so if it can stay close, Slabba may have a chance. The Aussie has a big serve, likes to get forward but can self-destruct can spectacularly and has done so numerous times this yr. I spoke to his British coach at Surbiton who was then at the end of his tether with his charge's choking and inability to listen to game-plan strategy

I maintain my belief that I just cannot understand how Smeets wins matches and is ranked as high as he is.

His serve isn't anything special, his groundstrokes don't look that good, his volley were very poor, he's a choker, his movement isn't strong, and he's got a stupid haircut.

Slabba can beat him if he plays well, but he's not the favourite coming into the match and he's done the job he had to this week which was to win his first round match.

Always good to see them win their doubles match as well, even by walkover, as I'm sure that's 12 very easy ranking points and a bit of extra cash for the boys as well.

Shhh · Challenger level

ForeverDelayed wrote:

Always good to see them win their doubles match as well, even by walkover, as I'm sure that's 12 very easy ranking points and a bit of extra cash for the boys as well.

I know that you dont pick up the ranking points for a w/o but what about the prize money? If Slabba and James lose their first match, the semi final, what amount would they be paid as they got there by default?

Salmon · Tennis legend

I think you get the prize money as long as you don't give a walkover yourself. Someone who knows about these things should be able to confirm it...

Slabba needs 27 or so more points to have a good chance of getting into USO. So he'll have to beat Smeets or face a big ask in the following Challengers.

The Hoose · Satellite level

Time for Slabba to get back-to-back wins to build on his encouraging performances of late. He's (pleasantly) surprised me the last few weeks.

johnnylad · Tennis legend

According to MTF

Armstrong beat Ward 7:6, 7:6

Count Zero · Tennis legend

:( a very close match.

Sheddie · administrator

Slabba won a thriller against Smeets 7-6 in the 3rd !!!!!

Salmon · Tennis legend

Bring on the USO.

James · Satellite level

Big well done to Alex, that's a top notch result; and hopefully one that shows those that doubted his ability to compete at challenger level that he is getting there!