Izzy has started - I think it's going to be a big ask, to beat Paquet, who had a stellar year last year, and has started this year well too, with a few top wins and very consistent. But then, I've never seen Izzy so no idea how they'll match up.
Just for the record, Paquet was never one of the best in her region. About third, she says. Got free extra group training, but nothing more.
Then, at 14, her parents paid for an individual coach. At age 16 she broke through a bit (partly probably because she finished growing and learnt how to use it - she's very tall and hits hard but, by hew own admission, has a dodgy 'head' and blows up on court - has worked with sport 'psychs' to try and help). Was runner-up twice in the national championships.
She passed her Bac S last year (the 'best' Bac) and is now doing the full pro tour. She's given herself 2 years to make it. Went up from approx. 3.1 to 1.2 domestic ranking last year. (Currently WTA 402).
Does 8 hours training a day now - gets up at 7.30, does 2 hours physique, 2 tennis, then lunch, then 2 more physique, 2 more tennis, then stops! (No drinking, no late nights, she says).
NB And for the record, her coach, the federation and her dad (also a coach) had no interest in her playing juniors - didn't bother.
She's been posting photos of a completely empty gym at Glasgow with slightly 'funny' comments of how at least there's absolutely no trouble doing a bit of cardio at this tournament . . .
Is 6-1 3-0 up at the moment.
-- Edited by Coup Droit on Wednesday 4th of February 2015 12:33:01 PM