It is very nice indeed that all these players in the mid-100s (Duckworth, Bedene etc) are doing well ... but I'd be quite glad if they could save some of their success until Mr Ward has had at least a week over the 100 mark.
He's obviously top-100 material. It's a question of remaining injury-free and fulfilling his potential. It's been a fantastic week for him and hopefully he goes at Roberto all guns blazing.
It must be the prospect of his becoming a Brit that's spurring him to such giant-killing heights!
Exactly what I was thinking !
Also, have to say, saw him play twice in summer (one one, lost one) and he's seems a REALLY nice guy, very fairplay, no theatricals. And his friends call him Ali - which is always good to any French speaker, or anyone who uses a bit of French lingo, because you can shout 'Allez Ali' !
Regardless of the result here in the SF, this will be a very nice payday for Ali. It really highlights the difference in funding between levels and why it's so crucial to get to the top.