The sequence of high-grade tournaments in France ends with this G1. Mirabelle Njoze has impressively come through qualifying for the third time. Late withdrawals, including Isabelle Wallace (injured I think) and Katie Boulter, leave Jazzi Plews seeded, when it may have been in her best interests not to be given her lack of wins, but at least neither of the players she could meet in round 2 are showing great form at the moment. The other seed in Luke Bambridge's section is Alexander Zverev, who beat him in a Futures semi in November.
Boys R1 (L64)
(3) Luke Bambridge (GBR) bye
Girls R1 (L64)
(13) Jazzi Plews (GBR) bye
(Q) Mirabelle Njoze (GBR) v (Q) Bianca Turati (ITA)
Luke's opponent should be familiar to those who followed the under 14 threads earlier in the year - Moutet won the Bolton Teen Tennis tournament before Max Stewart gained revenge at Les Petits As
Boys R2
(Q) Corentin Moutet (FRA) v (3) Luke Bambridge (GBR)
You have to feel for Jazzi and her coaches- actually the losing run goes all the way back to the Eddie Herr US Grade 1 in November last year, following tournament victory after tournament victory at Grade 4 and 3 immediately prior to that.
Partly, of course, she will now be playing girls of a much higher standard, where the average age will be at least 12-18 months higher. But I wouldn't be surprised if its partly a growth related issue - she's always been very much taller than other girls of a similar age (there are some quite amusing photos of her winning tournaments or playing doubles where you have to do a double take) - something that must have been a distinct advantage previously, might well become a disadvantage until she fills out - this would be completely normal, and something that will pass quickly. Hope she cracks it - Gabi, Maia, Georgie and Anastasia are hot on her tails (well sort of)
