Week 1 - WTA International ($220K) - Auckland, NZ Hard

albino · Intermediate Club Player

RE: Week 1 - WTA International ($220K) - Auckland, NZ Hard

thegingerlightbulb · Intermediate Club Player

Well done Heather. Out of interest who do people think will have the better career between her and Laura.? I used to believe that it would be Laura considering how much she achieved so young. But Laura in my opinion hasn't kicked on in terms of developing the weaker aspects of her game since she was 14. Heather meanwhile seems to have become a great athlete (though in truth, I'm basing that on the recent photo's rather than any live images I've seen). After this week I would be surprised if Heather does not reach the top 100 this year. Laura still seems to have major movement flaws whenever I watch her;I'm sure she will reach the top 100 eventually, and possibly the top 50, but beyond that I'm not sure.

Maza1987 · Challenger level

I'm of the opinion that it is just nice to be in a position to even debate which of our two top 100 prospects will have the better career. I'm not concerned with the outcome, but just want both to fulfil whatever their in-built limit is.

P.S. I really hope we can get a stream for Heather's match tonight. I haven't seen her play properly since Wimby. I saw a bitty stream when she won the 50k in Canada late last year, but it was tough to make see. All I remember was superb volleying by Heather, but couldn't make out much more.

-- Edited by Maza1987 on Wednesday 5th of January 2011 06:19:26 PM

philwrig · Hall of fame

I think Heather is becoming the finished article slowly but surely.
I wouldn't be surprised if this is the first proper offseason she has had.
This success will result in her getting much more media spotlight and so I would love to see both Laura and Heather maintain their current level of progress and hereby share the media coverage.
Laura's movement has actually improved alot over the last 12 months, but because she is coming from such a low base she still looks slow. PM her new coach was explaining that she has lost weight during the offseason and that this weight was slowly being replaced with the right type of muscle to maximise her physical state. He said it will take quite a while before Laura's body is 100% where it needs to be.

Anyway getting back to tonight's match, I have to say I am pessimistic about a victory. In fact I would be happy with 2 close sets.

Reeltime · Satellite level

Maza, she's on centre court so bet365 should have a stream for the match

Smidster · Challenger level

Good stuff - To win 5 matches so far is really something at such a high level.

As for Heather v Laura it is important to remember there is an 18 month age gap between them. Physique wise Heather is looking very good at the moment, if Laura can make similar progress over the next year then we have 2 very exciting prospects to watch over the next few years.

Reeltime · Satellite level

We got a rain delay in auckland

philwrig · Hall of fame

started again.

Reeltime · Satellite level

philwrig wrote:

started again.

Bet Halep wished they hadn't!

Maza1987 · Challenger level

will there be any other streams apart from bettung sites? i dont really wanna register and stuff.

James · Satellite level

Maza1987 wrote:

will there be any other streams apart from bettung sites? i dont really wanna register and stuff.

Liverscorehunter has several different feed options available for the current match in Auckland, so I imagine it will be the same for Heather's match.

Link: http://www.livescorehunter.com/live-streaming-video-tennis/

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

http://www.livescorehunter.com/Livescores/Livescore-Tennis.html is listing Auckland

Tutu · Club Coach

You should just register for Bet365, really. It's the only free betting site where you don't have to pay anything. And it's worth it as they stream so many of the lower ATP and WTA events these days.

Anyway, regarding Laura; the problem is that she is never going to be a very good athlete. She is slow and unathletic even compared to the Sharapova's of today. The question is whether she has enough game to offset that. She's definitely very talented, but we'll see.

Personally, I have never thought she would be the superstar that everyone thinks she will be. But I think she can still carve out an impressive career for herself along with Heather.

philwrig · Hall of fame

I think most people who watch Laura closely knew within 12 months of winning junior Wimby that it was very unlikely that she would reach the very top of the game. For some reason there is a small group of people who don't understand tennis very well who think she may be a superstar.
Her lack of speed although improving is her major problem as you say. Top 50 a certainty, top 30 a probability, top 20 possible.
I believe Heather will be neck and neck with her for most of her career. Its a friendly rivalry unlike Anne and Bally which should make it even more enjoyable to follow.

Tutu · Club Coach

philwrig wrote:

I think most people who watch Laura closely knew within 12 months of winning junior Wimby that it was very unlikely that she would reach the very top of the game. For some reason there is a small group of people who don't understand tennis very well who think she may be a superstar.
Her lack of speed although improving is her major problem as you say. Top 50 a certainty, top 30 a probability, top 20 possible.
I believe Heather will be neck and neck with her for most of her career. Its a friendly rivalry unlike Anne and Bally which should make it even more enjoyable to follow.

Yup. Agreed.

Anyways, Wickmayer just beat Halep. Maria is on next then it's Hev's turn.