haha Steven beat me with the answer

It's true that it is sadly very British (these days) to be out of the singles and in at least we're still in the doubles mode, though he did have an extremely good first couple of singles matches, lost to the highest ATP-ranked player he'd played in the tournament so far, and if he had to pick an event to do better in doubles than singles, at least it's the Olympics where a medal is a medal.

Or is it like half a medal if he wins it with his Czech mate? Come to think of it, I wonder what they do at the medal ceremony (flags, anthems) if a pair from two different countries wins the gold ...

D FI:
Oliver Golding (GBR) JWR 30 ATP 1753-S/1089-D
and
Jiri Vesely (CZE) JWR 6 ATP 1232-S/UNR-D
v
Victor Baluda (RUS) JWR 18 ATP 1182-S/UNR-D
and
Mikhail Biryukov (RUS) JWR 13 ATP 1254-S/UNR-D

So Oli is the only finalist with an ATP doubles ranking.

-- Edited by steven on Wednesday 18th of August 2010 11:59:59 AM

steven wrote:

---

It's true that it is sadly very British (these days) to be out of the singles and in at least we're still in the doubles mode, though he did have an extremely good first couple of singles matches, lost to the highest ATP-ranked player he'd played in the tournament so far, and if he had to pick an event to do better in doubles than singles, at least it's the Olympics where a medal is a medal.

---

Yeah, just ask Federer that.

Plus, Olly unlike guys like Morgan and Burton has never been at risk of being a doubles specialist. Actually his results in dubs have been slightly lacklustre, so we'll allow him this little foray this one time!

 

I'm not sure who it is that's posting on AM.com as Oli's mascot, Pinkdog (his mum, his girlfried, a mad friend, who knows!) but here's a report from yesterday - as biased as you'd expect, but still good reading

"It's been an amazing start at the YOG, and Oli is in superman mode.

Match vs Marton F: a really tight game, and Oli managed to win every game by a hairline and having saved 2 set points at 5-4, rounded the set 7-5. In the second set, Marton showed signs of tiring at 3-3 (he did arrive Singapore 4 days later than Oli..) and the weather/jet lag is pretty severe... Oli stepped up, showed no mercy on the wounded and powered his way through a decisive break and served out magnificiently with an ace.

Doubles Match vs Chinese pairs... Oli with 1st time partner Jiri played like 2 singles players, and was out smarted by the excellent Chinese pair, however they blasted their way through and in the 10 point tie break, Oli stepped up with 3 excellent poaching volleys to go to 8-5 and rounded the match off shortly after.

Match vs Collella: wow, probably the best match I've seen Oli play...he blasted the Italian from all angles, served 200+kmh bombs and was so fluid, it looked easy in the 35 degree heat. Collella had a few bad line calls go against him and he lost focus for about 15mins (= 5 games) by the time he snapped out of his rage, it was far far too late at 6-2, 5-1 down. Oli got off court in 45mins without topping up his tan. Looking good for the quarters tomoro.

Doubles Match vs no.4 seed from Bosnia/Crotia (great combo...): Oli/Jiri were underdogs (woof!: rolling Missed a double break to go 5-3 up, lost out in a few crucial sudden death deuce and Oli missing a few volleys. Damir/Mate pair hit balls into space well and Jiri was not playing his best, it looked like they were not going to win this one, but somehow they ended up in a tie break and yes you guessed it, Oli bombed down some big serves at 3-3 and suddenly they had 3 set points and cleaned up.

Second set was looking like a deja vu with Oli/Jiri going a break down early. A few bad line calls, frustrated Oli. Then lightning halted play which greatly helped the pair calm down but still they were 3-0, 4-1 down when they return. Crucial break back meant it was looking like another lottery tie-break until some excellent doubles play by Jiri at the end they clinch the 6-5 game, then Oli to serve out - surely? Yes of course, bang bang bang bang. Game Set and Match, Shower, Home, Sleep and I'm left with a pile of Oli's laundry."

And then today (Tom is room-sharing with Oli and I assume this means he's only getting there today):

"Oh and if Tom Daley is reading...welcome to Singapore, but Oli has used your bed to store his rackets and smelly shirts...so just sleep in the bathtub...."

LOL


-- Edited by steven on Thursday 19th of August 2010 05:35:49 AM

Another quote, this time from the LTA round-up:

"I was very disappointed with my singles. It was the most humid day since Ive been here and I couldnt move from 3-1. Ive had some late matches and it caught up with me today. I collapsed after the singles match but then ate six energy bars and a coke."

Do tennis players get their A level results early? They arent due out til tommorow!

Anyway, glad we heard Olis ok before reading that, because it certainly sounds as if it would look very worryingly indeed. The coach sounds like he needs a good talking to, but at least he wasnt the reason for the loss.

Onwards and upwards, plenty of positives to take away from the week. BTW, how are Oli and Tom friends? Seems strange in a way!