Week 23 - ITF $75k - Nottingham, UK - Grass

steven · Tennis legend

RE: Week 23 - ITF $75k - Nottingham, UK - Grass

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

I mentioned yesterday that it was really harsh of the organisers not to give Mel a day off today and it possibly cost her today. On the other hand, maybe her opponent was just better.

Bob the Ball Boy · Junior player

It might have been harsh to not give her a day off, and it might have been a tough match physically... but mel is up there as one of the worst athletes of all our girls so im inclined to believe that yes, her fitness let her down. Plus, three sets on grass with Mel's game style is not the same as three sets in 30 degrees on clay. I think she's too far past it to really get her fitness to where it needs to be... doubles focus may be the best option.

steven · Tennis legend

Tara's interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ_NwhahI68&feature=youtu.be

blob · All-time great

Elena had steadied after a slow start and going a break down, to get back to *2-3l.
But, just broken again, so now 2-4*

korriban · Challenger level

Phil. You didnt miss much in the early part of the first set with Tara's match! Both players were as poor as each other, but from the few games I saw final set, Tara was starting to play reasonably well and was completely on top.

I watched a couple of games of the doubles, and it was appalling! Keystone cops on a tennis court. But as always, its singles that count.

A few people were critical of Mel's conditioning earlier today. I didnt see her, but this has been a weakness for many years, so in that sense its nothing new. Ultimately it's up to the player to decide how they approach this aspect of the pro game. Or not.

I remember a very interesting LTA video from girls' winter training in Miami a couple of years back. Heather was there, Fran, Lucy and a few others I think. What I found instructive was an endurance run all the girls did together. At the end, their trainer asked them on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 was easy, 10 was at their absolute limit) how hard they had pushed it. Everypne from memory said 7 or 8 except Heather who said 10. And that is my impression of the difference between her desire to succeed and the average Brit girl. Most of them want to do well, Heather wants to be the best.

Back to Nottingham, and Id love to see Jo and Tara have a big week, Tara in particular. If she is able to match Heather on the fitness training and practice front (i.e. 100% dedication) I reckon we would have one hell of a good player. Very few have that commitment (as the LTA video showed) but she seems from first impressions to be as fit as I can remember seeing her.

-- Edited by korriban on Monday 3rd of June 2013 09:32:31 PM

blob · All-time great

Dolonc pushed on comfortably to take the first set with comparative ease:

Bally 2-6

PaulM · Tennis legend

Bally's not really in this. She's getting blown off the court.

Worrying. Although its not a great draw here, it would be about as good as it gets at Wimbledon. Needs to dig in and try to edge her way into the match.

PaulM · Tennis legend

This is a really good match. Bally has raised her game a bit and Dolnoc is looking a tad flustered, Bally recovers an early break then goes ahead for the first time

*4-3