I think a problem here is the perception that Katy was a major talent who has stalled. Her under 14 record was good but not outstanding (flirted with the Tennis Europe Top 10, by playing a good schedule of events whilst the top girls in her year were playing ITFs). Reaching the Eddie Herr final equally has to be put into context of a field with few if any of the top 1995 girls. Her current junior ranking, slightly inflated by the selection of a number of weak tournaments, is very much in line with what I would have expected 18 months ago.

^^^^^^

Katy & Karen Barbat threatened briefly to overcome Claire Feuerstein & Ana Vrljic (FRA/CRO) in the MTB, but eventually succumbed by 6-4 2-6 [7-10].

I see the dreaded Russian "dangerous floater" (& last week's Bath Futures winner, albeit by a walkover!), Marta Sirotkina, is starting to make waves again at the higher level:  not only did she qualify for this event, but she beat her fellow qualifier, Leticia Costas, this morning by 6-1 7-6(6) (she had chances to finish it off before the TB!).  Even though her opponent in the second round is another fellow qualifier, Anna-Lena Grönefeld, & one who has just seen off Anne Kremer, the third seed, by 6-0 6-7(5) 7-5 (she should've had it wrapped up in the second set!), I expect her to account for her, too!

Stircrazy wrote:

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I see the dreaded Russian "dangerous floater" (& last week's Bath Futures winner, albeit by a walkover!), Marta Sirotkina, is starting to make waves again at the higher level:  not only did she qualify for this event, but she beat her fellow qualifier, Leticia Costas, this morning by 6-1 7-6(6) (she had chances to finish it off before the TB!).  Even though her opponent in the second round is another fellow qualifier, Anna-Lena Grönefeld, & one who has just seen off Anne Kremer, the third seed, by 6-0 6-7(5) 7-5 (she should've had it wrapped up in the second set!), I expect her to account for her, too!

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Thats a big call, the bookies will most likely make ALG a big favourite.
I would think ALG will edge it.

Katie lost the first set 6-1

She lost the match, thats a bit of a scratch head time.

R2: BROADY, Naomi (GBR) Q 241 v SOUTH, Melanie (GBR) Q 256
R2: GEORGE, Nicola (GBR) WC 868 v FLORIS, Anna (ITA) 4 157