I've always understood (perhaps wrongly) that wildcards aren't traded with other grand slams because Wimbers is run by the AELTC not the LTA whereas the other slams are all run by their national governing bodies. Therefore, the LTA simply can't guarantee that the trade will be reciprocated.
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I've always understood (perhaps wrongly) that wildcards aren't traded with other grand slams because Wimbers is run by the AELTC not the LTA whereas the other slams are all run by their national governing bodies. Therefore, the LTA simply can't guarantee that the trade will be reciprocated.
AELTC and LTA should be sufficiently close to avoid that happening - AELTC seem happy to allow the LTA to make up the criteria for some of the wildcards. If other slams doubt the AELTC, then the Wimbledon wildcard could be given up as the first part of the trade.
At least Mr Draper had the courtesy to reply to 'Joe Public' - Basically he said -
"... Dont believe everything that you read in The Times! ........Lots positive things happening across British Tennis .... Depending on the players ATP Rankings they will either get direct acceptance into Qualifying or receive a Wild Card. ..... and I can assure that we will be fair to all of the British players."
At least Mr Draper had the courtesy to reply to 'Joe Public' - Basically he said -
"... Dont believe everything that you read in The Times! ........Lots positive things happening across British Tennis .... Depending on the players ATP Rankings they will either get direct acceptance into Qualifying or receive a Wild Card. ..... and I can assure that we will be fair to all of the British players."
That quote sounds like the Top 250 target will be available to anybody who isn't named Bogdanovic.
"Wimbledon could see play continue until as late as 2200 BST and beyond this year with the introduction of a roof over Centre Court.
The All England Club will schedule games in the same manner as 2008, but with no cut-off time for matches.
Club chief executive Ian Ritchie said the local authorities had been flexible and not objected to late finishes.
Asked if there would ever be a night session at Wimbledon, club chairman Tim Phillips said, "not yet".
He added that Wimbledon "remains a day event" and said there was no plan to change that."
On a fine day, matches have always been able to go on for as long as the light held out if necessary, so if they're not putting in lights, I'm not sure what the roof over centre court changes? Is this just a "we need another story about the roof so let's make something up even if it's a non-story" moment or am I missing something?
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There were things that looked a lot like lights in the short video piece the BBC did today. Lights at the ends of the court and lights built into the roof. Though the reporter seemed slightly confused.
For let these weak crabs crawl to tho halo turf and let us enjoy the pittyful and sustatined removal of the GB crustations in straight sets. For let their ranking sink as deserved. Queshri will be the victor I tell you all !!!
10pm? Heck if that happens the day I'm there I will be pushed to catch my bus home!
I only just made it after the men's final last year, which finished before that - and I left before the presentation.
Stay overnight Mad. That's what my sister-in-law and I do. One night for a show followed by a full day at Wimby, next day a morning sightseeing, then home on the train. It's only costs £11 each way from Donny.
Why not right now give all the top 10 ranking targets that they have to reach in order to get a WC ? (and I dont mean 275).
For the likes of Fleming if he say got into the top 350 from where he is right now (522) would that not be enough of a climb to warrant one ?
I am not one for giving these things away like confetti to Brits but in the light of the disadvantage they are facing with the lack of home events....for goodness sake look at the Italians and Spanish...and we have the richest tennis body on the planet ?
Lets give the tennis public some improving Brits to watch at SW19...give them a target and give them the carrot.
I think that this is easily the sanest wild card scheme I've heard of.
10pm? Heck if that happens the day I'm there I will be pushed to catch my bus home!
I only just made it after the men's final last year, which finished before that - and I left before the presentation.
Stay overnight Mad. That's what my sister-in-law and I do. One night for a show followed by a full day at Wimby, next day a morning sightseeing, then home on the train. It's only costs £11 each way from Donny.
We're staying the night before, my daughter hasn't enough holiday to take the Tuesday off as well. She uses her holidays running marathons and half-marathons!
-- Edited by Madeline on Tuesday 21st of April 2009 09:45:04 PM