Really good win from Milts today. He served a lot better than yesterday and that allowed him to control the match. The first set was never really in any doubt as Pavic searched (but failed to find) answers. There were clear spells where he attacked Josh's backhand but Josh stood up well to that. Later he tried getting to the net more, but having been beaten by a terrific lob the 1st time, he didn't fully commit, allowing Josh to hit a couple of terrific short angle passing shots.

In the 2nd set, Josh started well and had BP for 3-1, but just as he lined up a passing shot, someones mobile went off and clearly distracted, he dumped it into the net. At his point he lost focus slightly and found himself a break down. But as Pavic served for the set, Josh broke back and went on to clinch an excellent win in the TB

Fantastic Bob that you have managed to get to Marseille. Great effort and support. Thanks for your updates of the matches. Don't know too much about Milton but wouldn't it be fantastic if he could get through to the main draw. Otherwise I remember playing Marcus in a school match, mind you he took me off the court with his big hitting and serving. Good that it seems his game is moving in the right direction.
I have been unable to get there for the qualifying. I am down next Saturday for the Semi Finals with some Uni friends. Hopefully will catch some of the GB doubles players if they make the later stages.
All the best for Smethurst in his qualifying match later today.

Well that was a laughably good draw from Josh at an ATP event but he still had to take advantage of it.

Bob in France wrote:

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Funny moment of the day so far. Coming off court, a French guy (speaking good English) asked Josh for a photo with his 5yo son. Josh obliged. The guy then turned to Marcus and asked, "are you the guy who played in the USA last year. I think I saw you on livestream". Marcus confirmed and again the guy asked for a photo with his son. Marcus asked him, "how did you recognise me". He replied, "you are the one that everybody says needs to lose some weight." Marcus being who he is, laughed it off and the kid got his photo anyway.

PS Should point out that Marcus is down 8 kilos from the end of last season and is looking good.

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Nice story   I love the idea of our guys, ranked 350+, being asked for photos and sort of treated like celebs. Did Marcus actually play a French guy last year in the US? Can't remember. Pretty amazing if he didn't and the French spectator STILL watched his match.

(PS Eight kilos is huge - brilliant).

Not to be for Dan today. He didn't play that badly but in fairness, Ilhan was just that bit better in almost every facet of the game. His performance was very efficient, he served big when he needed to and hit the lines at the right time.

Dan went a break down from 2-2 in the 1st and was playing catch up for the rest of the match. There were some great moments from him but he was unable to exert any sustained pressure against a very consistent opponent. There was never really a spell within the match where you felt Dan was on top, and even in his own words, he just couldn't "get into the match".

As I started by saying, he played reasonably well on the whole but Ilhan was just too strong on the day.

I think I prefer the Bob in France guy to the Bob in Brazil one ( find the Brazilian one a bit grumpy at times ;)

Anyway looks like for the most part the guys will be happy that they travelled, even Wardy was able to take his GF and enjoy a nice getaway for Valentines day.

I always find that Josh is underestimated and is right up there in that 2nd division of GB players, great stuff. I think Smethy will be quietly happy with his early season form, even though he has to try and match his points haul from last year. Marcus making gradual improvements and looking a Chally player for the future.