When I was discussing the strength of the field/ the number of dangerous floaters this week compared to last with a few of the Brits, Mr Halys didn't come up in the conversation, but Bubka did and of course Halys took him out yesterday.

As you can imagine there's lots of negative conversation about the cutbacks to the successful bonus scheme. Lots of conjecture as to how many Brits will have to give up by the end of the year.

The injury update is quite positive though. Dan S is fully revovered from his shoulder problem, Dan C is dealing with an elbow problem but it is under control, Alex fine although forearm always a little bit of concern.

Dan S has also been working on a revised serving technique, and is making real progress with his double handed backhand. Both Dan's seem fully recharged mentally and look strong going forward. Coxy has been doing alot of boxing training ( apparently Dan could have gone that route instead of being a pro tennis player )

Rob C feels he's positioned for a good season, playing well in practice and had a good offseason.

One observation I did make yesterday and its probably relevant for all tennis matches, that when the favoured player either loses his serve, or we get deep into a set and both players are level, you do seem to see that favoured player just focus a bit more and raise their level. Saw it yesterday with Josh and Dan C.

Imran Aswat played out a long 4-4 game against Roy yesterday during which he had numerous bps, and when not converting them you could gradually see the frustration amping up, and when Roy held he then broke to win the match. Roy I have to say looked better than his ranking, technique wise anyway.

Rob had a similarly frustrating game which he should have really won to go up a break, deep in the 2nd set.

I was impressed with Bambo in the 1st set, he was playing aggressive tennis pinning his opponent back, and looking a class act who would be breaking out from his current ranking soon. I do really feel that he needs to play that style to make real progress, because he can really ramp up that forehand in a similar style to Kyle.

Beechy was in attendance and looking after the young Moore, Martin Weston was also in Sunderland.

Evo was in typical form, not giving much away, but was in good spirits. He couldn't confirm whether I would see him during the grass season, said his twiitter account had been hacked.

paulisi wrote:

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Jaffa wrote:

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Alex v Dan final I think. Won't specify which Dan though

Wonder who will get WC's next week?! When will we find out?

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 As far as i'm aware there are no main draw wildcards for challengers. Just qualifying wildcards.

Most of the Brits will make qualifying without the need for a wildcard. So I suspect Evo or some of the juniors will pick up the qualifying wildcards 

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Evo won't need a qualifying wild card.

-- Edited by RJA on Wednesday 28th of January 2015 07:39:13 PM

philwrig wrote:

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When I was discussing the strength of the field/ the number of dangerous floaters this week compared to last with a few of the Brits, Mr Halys didn't come up in the conversation, but Bubka did and of course Halys took him out yesterday.

As you can imagine there's lots of negative conversation about the cutbacks to the successful bonus scheme. Lots of conjecture as to how many Brits will have to give up by the end of the year.

The injury update is quite positive though. Dan S is fully revovered from his shoulder problem, Dan C is dealing with an elbow problem but it is under control, Alex fine although forearm always a little bit of concern.

Dan S has also been working on a revised serving technique, and is making real progress with his double handed backhand. Both Dan's seem fully recharged mentally and look strong going forward. Coxy has been doing alot of boxing training ( apparently Dan could have gone that route instead of being a pro tennis player )

Rob C feels he's positioned for a good season, playing well in practice and had a good offseason.

One observation I did make yesterday and its probably relevant for all tennis matches, that when the favoured player either loses his serve, or we get deep into a set and both players are level, you do seem to see that favoured player just focus a bit more and raise their level. Saw it yesterday with Josh and Dan C.

Imran Aswat played out a long 4-4 game against Roy yesterday during which he had numerous bps, and when not converting them you could gradually see the frustration amping up, and when Roy held he then broke to win the match. Roy I have to say looked better than his ranking, technique wise anyway.

Rob had a similarly frustrating game which he should have really won to go up a break, deep in the 2nd set.

I was impressed with Bambo in the 1st set, he was playing aggressive tennis pinning his opponent back, and looking a class act who would be breaking out from his current ranking soon. I do really feel that he needs to play that style to make real progress, because he can really ramp up that forehand in a similar style to Kyle.

Beechy was in attendance and looking after the young Moore, Martin Weston was also in Sunderland.

Evo was in typical form, not giving much away, but was in good spirits. He couldn't confirm whether I would see him during the grass season, said his twiitter account had been hacked.

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After talking to Neil about his match - it sounds like you've hit the nail on the head there. He said he felt the match was close, the only difference was that cox would step his game up when it came to the big points. He said that he could tell cox has been playing at a higher level than him recently with challengers and Wimbledon etc.

The 18 year-old frenchman has taken the first set in a TB against Alex.

Cox is leading Milton 6-4 2-2

Dan S won the first set easily but James M now serving for the second set at 5*-3

PS sherbert: what's a player zone account? And why would it stop people signing up ? Is it difficult to get? Does it cost? (sorry for all the questions !)

Marzi now serving for the match. Alex is now into a third set.

Don't think many saw that coming, but Marzi is flying at the moment.

Should be enough to put him back in the top 25.

Coup Droit wrote:

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The 18 year-old frenchman has taken the first set in a TB against Alex.

Cox is leading Milton 6-4 2-2

Dan S won the first set easily but James M now serving for the second set at 5*-3

PS sherbert: what's a player zone account? And why would it stop people signing up ? Is it difficult to get? Does it cost? (sorry for all the questions !)

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 I'm not entirely up to speed with the admin of the men's events but it certainly costs to register as an ATP player- think around US $200 ish.  Also believe you already have to have some (one??) ATP points.   Not sure if there is any time lag between applying and being approved.