Luke Bambridge returns here as the defending champion, and the draws for the Brits have been fairly favourable, with all but Jazzi playing qualifiers or a wildcard, though Evan's opponent is a former Eddie Herr U14 semifinalist who has won a lot of matches this year after 6 months out
Boys R1 (L32)
(Q) Lucas Gonzalez (FRA) v Clay Crawford (GBR)
(Q) Omar Salman (BEL) v (6) Evan Hoyt (GBR)
Thomas Colautti (GBR) v (WC) Thibault Cancel (FRA)
(Q) Louis Tessa (FRA) v (2) Luke Bambridge (GBR)
Girls R1 (L32)
(Q) Georgia Brescia (ITA) v (Q) Mirabelle Njoze (GBR)
(6) Jazzi Plews (GBR) v Veronica Miroshnichenko (RUS)
Evan sadly was forced to retire while Jazzi's long losing streak unfortunately continues (no joy in doubles either for her). At least the other 4 all won.
Boys R1 (L32)
Clay Crawford (GBR) d. (Q) Lucas Gonzalez (FRA) 6-2 3-6 6-3 (Q) Omar Salman (BEL) d. (6) Evan Hoyt (GBR) 6-3 1-0 rtd Thomas Colautti (GBR) d. (WC) Thibault Cancel (FRA) 6-3 7-6(3) (2) Luke Bambridge (GBR) d. (Q) Louis Tessa (FRA) 4-6 6-1 6-1
R2
Clay Crawford (GBR) v (5) Simon Friis Soendergaard (DEN) Thomas Colautti (GBR) v (3) Skander Mansouri (TUN) Ronan Joncour (FRA) v (2) Luke Bambridge (GBR)
It's quite extraordinary the change in fortunes for Jazzi. From sweeping all before her as a 14 year old in Grade 4 with 2 tournament wins in quick succession, she went immediately up to Grade 3 and won her first 2 tournaments there as well.
I suspect it wasn't originally in the plan, but at that point and with those wins it made complete sense to have a go at a higher level, and after a victory in her maiden Grade 1 match, has I believe lost her next 5 matches at Grade A (U18 Orange Bowl and AO) and Grade 1, then rightly stepped back to Grade 2 and lost her first 2 tournament matches there as well. Many of these losses were against lower ranked players. Given last year's spectacular progress, you can't really fault the choice of tournaments and you can only stand back and applaud a fantastic 2012. Nothing to worry about.
Her 2 rivals Gabi Taylor and Maia Lumsden have approached their choices of tournament rather differently, with more of a slow build, and steady progress up the rankings, although Gabi is starting to throw in a few higher Grade tests. If the season goes well, I think all 3 will probably end 2013 with rankings between 75-150, with 2014 the year to really test themselves at a higher level as 16 year olds.
I think that Jazzi's team will have to be very careful with her schedule now as long losing streaks can undermine confidence for a lengthy period, even after the run stops. No joy in singles today, though Mirabelle achieved a respectable scoreline against the top seed. We are however guaranteed a finalist in the boys doubles, with Tom and Clay facing off with their partners in the semis (Luke is still going in the other half)
Boys R2
Clay Crawford (GBR) v (5) Simon Friis Soendergaard (DEN) (3) Skander Mansouri (TUN) d. Thomas Colautti (GBR) 6-4 6-3 Ronan Joncour (FRA) v (2) Luke Bambridge (GBR)
Impressive scorelines for both Clay and Luke. Clay has to take on the world number 12 next, whilst the doubles is an Anglo-Belgian affair, guaranteeing a British winner.
Boys R2
Clay Crawford (GBR) d. (5) Simon Friis Soendergaard (DEN) 6-2 6-2 (3) Skander Mansouri (TUN) d. Thomas Colautti (GBR) 6-4 6-3 (2) Luke Bambridge (GBR) d. Ronan Joncour (FRA) 6-0 6-1
QF
(1) Clement Geens (BEL) v Clay Crawford (GBR) (8) Andre Biro (HUN) v (2) Luke Bambridge (GBR)
Doubles Final
(1) Bambridge/Geens (GBR/BEL) v Crawford/Geerts (GBR/BEL)
Whatever happens this afternoon Luke has secured enough of the points he was defending from last year (G2 win + G1 SF) to remain in the top 50 and be a DA for Roland Garros. However, unless he has been offered a late WC for Bournemouth, he is down to play the Beaulieu G1 next week and then come back for Futures in Edinburgh and Newcastle.
