Week 45 - Challenger ($50,000) - Knoxville, TN, USA (Hard)

TMH · Futures qualifying

RE: Week 45 - Challenger ($50,000) - Knoxville, TN, USA (Hard)

TMH · Futures qualifying

It was only a couple of years ago when we only had Ward, Baker and occasionally Goodall contesting challengers, and rarely doing much even then (Ward had a couple of good runs and Baker made a few quarter finals).

How great is it to have four Brits in challenger quarter finals in one day, with two playing each other and a third the 2nd seed in the tournament?

The state of British tennis in the top 300/400 range has definitely improved a hell of a lot in the last few years. Next stage is for a few of these guys to push on into the top 100.

Both Liam and Marcus pretty comfortable on serve at the minute. 3-3.

freerider · Futures level

TMH wrote:
It was only a couple of years ago when we only had Ward, Baker and occasionally Goodall contesting challengers, and rarely doing much even then (Ward had a couple of good runs and Baker made a few quarter finals).

How great is it to have four Brits in challenger quarter finals in one day, with two playing each other and a third the 2nd seed in the tournament?

The state of British tennis in the top 300/400 range has definitely improved a hell of a lot in the last few years. Next stage is for a few of these guys to push on into the top 100.

Both Liam and Marcus pretty comfortable on serve at the minute. 3-3.

Absolutely - and when you think about it there are a few other brits able to compete at this level now too - Corrie Cox Evo Smethurst A-ward(when he is fit) and by the sounds of it Tom Farquharson are the names that spring to mind

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Just what I was thinking i.e. TMH is quite right and,as you say freerider, there are others who could well be there too. Klein would be on the list too (a quasi-Bri but a Brit all the same now).

TMH · Futures qualifying

Absolutely. And Oli too, before his break/retirement. I really, really hope Oli returns to the sport at some point, because he is a hell of a talent and when you see how well the likes of Kyle and Liam have pushed on this year, it just makes you wonder where he would be now. It would be great for the likes of Alex W, Tom F and Dan S to have a injury-free year to see just how well they could do. And then there's Evo. What on earth has happened to him?

But I'm drifting a bit off-topic. Currently 5-4* Liam, both players still largely untroubled on serve (Liam got to deuce in Marcus' last game with a lucky net cord but Marcus responded well).

The Knight · Challenger qualifying

TMH wrote:
Absolutely. And Oli too, before his break/retirement. I really, really hope Oli returns to the sport at some point, because he is a hell of a talent and when you see how well the likes of Kyle and Liam have pushed on this year, it just makes you wonder where he would be now.

Especially considering that him and Liam were pretty much in the same position 6 months ago

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Thoroughly loving it.

Just my opinion (!) but having seen lots of Marcus this week and last - doubles and singles - I think he looks far more at ease on a singles court. He looks more 'master' of his court.

Very good showing from both . . .

TMH · Futures qualifying

It's funny that really. I can't comment on Marcus' doubles play having never seen him play, but from a personal perspective of a similar sport (badminton), I was always pretty decent at singles but turned horrible when I played doubles. Rhythm is a wonderful thing.

Pretty good quality match this. Both players serving well, Liam often looking like he might break through but Willis slams the door with some excellent net play.

Into a tie-break. Marcus must be sick of these by now. Absolutely nothing to separate them.

murray_2k9 · Challenger qualifying

Argh a tight looking double -so unlucky.

TMH · Futures qualifying

Neck and neck in the tie-break until Marcus double faults at 5-5 and Liam subsequently takes it 7-5.

Liam leads 7-6(5).

Sim · County player

Poor Marcus what a time to serve a double fault..

freerider · Futures level

Liam has been playing at a very high level last couple of weeks - so consitent.

LouieG · County player

3 breakers anyone?

TMH · Futures qualifying

Looked like it was heading to another 'breaker but Liam pounces at 4-4 with a stunning BHDTL winner before Marcus surprisingly nets a volley (it might have been a half-volley).

Liam to serve for it. 7-6(5), *5-4.

-- Edited by TMH on Friday 7th of November 2014 07:26:59 PM

TMH · Futures qualifying

And Liam serves it out to love - 7-6(5), 6-4.

7 wins from 8 now for Liam who is in fine form, but still a great week for Marcus.