Week 42 - Israel F14 ($10,000) - Ramat Hasharon (Hard)

DWH · Club Coach

Week 42 - Israel F14 ($10,000) - Ramat Hasharon (Hard)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Well, they're into a TB in the doubles - maybe because they're all UK players, AND part of the same traveling team, Liam knew that the others would be more understanding about toilet breaks etc. (the umpire usually takes into account the opponents views) and so thought doubles would be the best bet.

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Friday 18th of October 2013 11:20:02 AM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Liam's match not started ? or a scoreboard glitch ? already 6-4 to Klec in the other one . . .

DWH · Club Coach

Was wondering that as well, and Klec has now won by retirement.

korriban · Challenger level

Coup Droit wrote:
Liam's match not started ? or a scoreboard glitch ? already 6-4 to Klec in the other one . . .

There have been scoreboard issues all week, so I'd be inclined to assume it's the latter. Liam's doubles match is still there and he was in very positive mood last night, so we probably can rule out a Broady withdrawal.

This will be a very tough match, but Liam has been very happy with his form, so I'm rooting for another British win.

In general JWH has bit a little underwhelming so far this year - whilst it's true he's greatly improved his ranking and certainly it's a step up from last year, there hasn't really been a breakthrough - some nice highlights, a few QFs and SFs at Futures, but no dramatic statement of intent. There are some players who you think could be top 300 one day and will gradually work their way up the ladder; there are others who you think could be a lot more successful than that - top 100 even if all went well and they maxed out - and I had JWH as a candidate for the latter camp. With those type of players you expect lots of inconsistency at this stage, but you also expect some WOW moments.....and I guess we're still waiting. Still hopeful though.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

I reckon score board too.

Still hoping for a Broady quadruple !!! (both Liam and Naomi - singles and doubles - now THAT would have to be a record !)

As to JWH, well, I have to step in and defend him, don't I ?? :)

I think, though surely Soto knows better, that it's a lot to do with past experience.

They're all young but Liam had a pretty stellar junior career and started playing senior matches (and winning) back in 2010. Throughout the year 2011 he was ranked in the 600s and playing a lot of matches.

Josh, on the other hand, was not in the same camp as a junior and only got his first senior ranking point 14 months ago, being in the 1000+ for the latter half of 2012 and only getting into the top 1000 in April this year.

As such, I reckon he has a lot of catching up to do, a lot to learn about pro-tennis life and how to string it together. The French always say that you have to learn the 'métier' of being a pro - not the 'career' as a dictionary would say but more the nuts and bolts of pro-tennis life and matches. He'll get there !

DWH · Club Coach

Hmm... scoreboard now reporting that Marcora won by retirement score 0-0 ret. hmm

but doubles has popped up as still scheduled. Very strange

Hopefully everything's alright...

korriban · Challenger level

DWH wrote:
Hmm... scoreboard now reporting that Marcora won by retirement score 0-0 ret.
but doubles has popped up as still scheduled. Very strange
Hopefully everything's alright...

Yes. That's not hopeful, but on the other had Liam was reported as having lost on the same scoreboard a couple of days ago when he'd won. And it's bizarre that he seems to have withdrawn when he's still down for the doubles and on excellent form and very confident on twitter. In all probability he may have lost the match anyway (hoping the opposite), but I still think it was played rather than him withdrawing.

korriban · Challenger level

unfortunately it's true. Liam's just tweeted that he pulled out of singles with a severe stomach ache, and will see if he's fit enough to play doubles. With a retirement after a set in the other match - wonder if it's another case of food poisoning or another hotel related gastro bug (Kyle's favourite).

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

6.45am here and just woke up to see the news of Liam's withdrawal. Think I'll go back to bed.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
6.45am here and just woke up to see the news of Liam's withdrawal. Think I'll go back to bed.

Yeah, but big sis is doing all right ! smile

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Coup Droit wrote:
Bob in Spain wrote:
6.45am here and just woke up to see the news of Liam's withdrawal. Think I'll go back to bed.
Yeah, but big sis is doing all right !

Saw that.

korriban · Challenger level

Can a stomach ache be so bad that it forces you to withdraw from a singles SF without striking a single ball, but you are fit enough to play the doubles 3 or 4 hours later? Wouldn't you at least give it a go and see what happens?

Assuming things were pretty bad (and we've all been there), but you know they often get better once the initial bout is through your system, is there a way you can approach the tournament organisers and delay the match until after the other SF has been concluded, if your opponent is willing to accept this? I assume it's not possible once the OOP is published (as certain types might abuse this, as they do with MTOs and toilet breaks), but is there ever any leeway, as this is clearly preferable to a walkover.

indiana · Tennis legend

I would imagine it was bad enough to pull out of his singles without striking a ball, given he apparently pulled out of his singles without striking a ball. Fair enough then to not pull out of the doubles before he has to.

I wouldn't expect any leeway once the OoP is published, and while a bit tough probably right for a professional tennis tournament. But I don't know for sure.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Evan and Luke take the first set TB