The Shedman wrote:

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Not hugely surprising. Courts in Zagreb are extremely fast, low bouncing and don't really suit a harrier like Jamie. They suit a shot-maker who likes pace ie: Dan Evans, far more.

Not really getting Jamie's decision to play in Europe over the next few weeks. Think he'd have far more success in the States trying to qualify for San Jose, Memphis and Delray Beach.

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Thanks for your insight on the courts and scheduling, which is very helpful.

More generally, I'm a little uncomfortable with "no excuses." People have good days. And they have bad days. That's life. Putting too much emphasis on a particular result feels counterproductive and certainly doesn't encourage risk-taking. Both Mr Ward and Mr Baker have reputations as hard workers who do the most they can to maximise their gifts. So if they are doing the best they can, celebrating successes and encouraging to go onwards after defeats is in order, no?

Gawron, who beat Jamie in 2 sets then lost comprehensively to a Croat ranked 540 in the second qualifying round. Which puts that first round loss into perspective. Frankly, Jamie should be beating these type of players handily every week, whether they are playing on clay, grass, hard, carpet........or even cotton wool or glass!

Same goes for James Ward. If one or both wants to push on towards a regular 100-125 ranking or even better, there should be no excuses. I'm delighted that Jamie entered an ATP qualifying draw, and he was rewarded with an excellent route through, at least until the FQR. I suspect its lack of power and a weak second serve that makes both players vulnerable to allcomers when they are having a B Game day.

Just want to see one or both go on a confidence boosting run of consistently strong tournaments, whereas every minor victory seems to be backed up by a baffling loss.