Week 15 - ITF $25k - Edgbaston - Hard Indoor

steven · Tennis legend

RE: Week 15 - ITF $25k - Edgbaston - Hard Indoor

steven · Tennis legend

SF: MOORE, Tara (GBR) 6 208 lost to BYCHKOVA, Ekaterina (RUS) 3 185 by 6-2 5-7 6-2

korriban · Challenger level

I'm surprised that the match fell away so rapidly at the end, given the back-to-the-wall fighting spirit shown by Tara in the second set, and then the 0-40 she had on Bychkova's serve at the start of the third.

Perhaps things would have turned out very differently if the Russian had failed to save all 3 break points in that first game......mentally that would have be much tougher to come back from.

There's no question that Tara is playing very well - maybe she still has that extra 5-10% to find on her fitness, conditioning and endurance - or there were still some residual effects from her recent illnesses. Either way, the stats say Bychkova played very well, and was ranked above Tara, so congrats to both on having good weeks all round.

Will be interesting to

murray_2k9 · Challenger qualifying

Bychkova clearly under ranked if you look at the caliber of players she beats and loses to, and her CH of 66 says enough. I continue to be very impressed with Tara, who seems to be enjoying her tennis and will no doubt relish seeing her ranking climb. She is off to Thailand next week with Mel and co so good chance to get some points out there and consolidate a place in the top 200.

It will be very interesting to see how Tara steps it up to the higher ITF events and mixing in the WTA qualies. Her game is big enough to match these girls so only a matter of time unitl she hits the next level

-- Edited by murray_2k9 on Saturday 13th of April 2013 11:28:49 AM