No obvious place to put this link to a feature in today's London Evening Standard, so I thought I might as well kick off the RG main draw thread a few days early, given that the article rightly lauds the achievement of Bally, AK & KOB of being there by right. Apologies if I was being a little presumptuous...
Although very tough for Anne and Elena, Katie could hardly have picked a better opponent. Jill Craybas has done very well to stay in the top 100 so long as a late developer (she is now 35) but is showing all the signs of coming to the end of her career. She has played 6 matches on clay this year, and has only once extended a set. Katie has beaten her before, and really should fancy her chances of repeating the feat.
I think Anne has a chance. Pennetta won Marbella MM event but her last few weeks have been poor. If Anne serves well and plays well, she has a shot. Glad we get to see her.
__________________
Anne Keothavong - Heather Watson - Naomi Cavaday - Laura Robson - Elena Baltacha - Everyone else!