I was quite surprised when I checked the qualifying draws of the the two clay court challengers in Europe and didn't see Smetty and Wardy on them. I was pleased to find out that there was a very good reason for that.
QR1: Daniel Smethurst WR 395 v (q8) Damir Dzumhur (BIH) WR 264
QR1: Alex Ward WR 396 v Sandro Ehrat (SUI) WR 329
-- Edited by RJA on Friday 5th of July 2013 10:20:48 PM
Only managing 36% first serves in over 4 games, and only winning 33% of his second serves. On return he generated 7 BPs which is outstanding, only to convert zero, which is not good enough. Disappointing for a professional tennis player ranked inside 400 with aspirations of a top 200 ranking.
Please can we have a competitive second set!
-- Edited by korriban on Saturday 6th of July 2013 10:59:52 AM
I have to say I disagree with you about Dustin Brown. I don't usually make predictions, but I doubt that his Wimbledon exploits will be replicated anytime soon.
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"Where Ratty leads - the rest soon follow" (Professor Henry Brubaker - The Institute of Studies)
I have to say I disagree with you about Dustin Brown. I don't usually make predictions, but I doubt that his Wimbledon exploits will be replicated anytime soon.
I happen to agree. I think Wimbledon was his moment of glory and it's all going to be far more back to normal from now on.
However, even given that, I think it's unfortunate to come up against a guy ranked 189 today who, tomorrow, is going to go up 100 places or so overnight. He's certainly a good deal better than the average qualie player.
But he's an up and down sort of guy, too, so there's no reason Alex shouldn't have a good shot - Alex seems to have been remarkably consistent in the last few months - a lot of good wins and respectable losses.
I have to say I disagree with you about Dustin Brown. I don't usually make predictions, but I doubt that his Wimbledon exploits will be replicated anytime soon.
I happen to agree. I think Wimbledon was his moment of glory and it's all going to be far more back to normal from now on.
However, even given that, I think it's unfortunate to come up against a guy ranked 189 today who, tomorrow, is going to go up 100 places or so overnight. He's certainly a good deal better than the average qualie player.
But he's an up and down sort of guy, too, so there's no reason Alex shouldn't have a good shot - Alex seems to have been remarkably consistent in the last few months - a lot of good wins and respectable losses.
Brown will only go up about 30 places tomorrow. He is at best typical seeded play for a 250 qualifying draw.