There seems be a bit of an Aussie epidemic of washing dirty laundry in public recently. The public admonishment of their cricket team a few days back was extraordinRily badly handled, and they have not been shy in airing their grievances against Tomic in public too.

Regarding Luke's progress, I think he has been spoken of in exalted terms by the LTA over a number of years, as part of a sort of "Band of Five" with George Morgan, Oli Golding, Liam Broady and Kyle Edmund. There are many interviews with various LTA bigwigs who repeatedly cite these 5 as a group in terms of the future of British men's tennis. Roger Draper, Leon Smith, Greg Rusedski, they have all reinforced this impression, and it has been repeated often enough by the BBC, the broadsheets and the tabloids. In many ways this is unfair on them, and also on the other young men who hope to be the next Andy Murray, but are never mentioned in the same terms. 

George won the Orange Bowl, Oli won the junior USO, Liam reached 2 junior GS finals and won a doubles GS, Kyle has performed very well on the pro tour already, winning an ITF $10k and losing in another final. I think it would be great to see Luke start to win some of these G1 touraments, and show his talent in the junior slams to put a marker down vs these other boys, and to boost his self-belief and confidence. I hope his turn comes tomorrow.

The Dark Knight wrote:

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I've been following the progress of Luke since he was a young boy (10 years old). I believe that back then he had his critics who said he would not be around at 12 and that this has gone on since then.  Why is he still around? Well looking at his development he is talented, but he is also dedicated, alwys gives 100% and is disciplined (unlike his opponent from Australia today who was pulled out by his coach for bad behaviour).  Luke cannot influence what happened today and everyone deserves a break. The anoraks who sit at a computer and look at results need to get out there and watch youngsters like Luke who every day are desperately trying to improve their game in order to do something with their life.

Good luck in the final tomorrow Luke!  One thing I know you'll give it your best shot. 

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 With respect Dark Knight, the "anoracks" who follow the results are doing so in support of all British players.........singles, doubles, male, female, pro tour and juniors.  Just as much interest, and indeed attendance, is shown to futures level as main tour.  I doubt anyone on here wants anything other than the very best for Luke and his career.

Spectactor. Point well made. I just happen to think that amongst competitive banter-rich young men, things like this do make a difference, and Luke strikes me from interviews as slightly more cuphalf empty than cup half full, so it would be a terrific confidence boost. Anyway....wishing him well for tomorrow, thats the main thing.