Week 22 - Challenger (€42,500) - Manchester, GB (Grass)

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

RE: Week 22 - Challenger (€42,500) - Manchester, GB (Grass)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

marcus had three break-back points but hit three very tentative direct faults . . .

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

First set Baghdatis 6-4

BPs - Marcus 0/3, Baghdatis 1/1

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

yes, and it was the nature of the break points that was disappointing - he prods his forehand, tries to push it - it's really like someone who simply doesn't play enough at this level - so resorts to 10k style play when in a pressure situation. Coz his game in general is really good . . .

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

It's a big jump for Marcus it seems to be more mental on the big points but I guess that's where experience comes in. He's doing ok though

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Yeah, decent effort. Hope he gets a more kindly draw next time (and looks back at the replay and looks at some of the key points).

paulisi · Tennis legend

I saw the last set of Wardy's match and Marcus' match.

James served very well and was the better player in the set. He was a little tentative on the break points and the tie breaker was very nervy for both players. Both very similar in style and both slightly passive on the big points, but the better player won.

As for the Marcus match, Willis started well had some good chances in the first set to break back with the Cypriot struggling with his serve. Second set the class showed. Willis' first serve stuttered a bit and Baggo took advantage. Marcus should learn a lot from that match as to where he needs to be. I also agree that some of the tactics he uses for 10k matches aren't as effective for playing the top players. The better players will punish a chop or slice that is slightly loose. I'd love to see Marcus slightly more aggressive more often with his ground shots.

goldenboy · Club Coach

Good win for James, just about holding his nerve even when not playing amazingly well.

Bit disappointed in the rest of the Brit pack to be honest though. Lack of toughness for a few of them unfortunately.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Round-up:

L32: (1) Marcos Baghdatis WR 59 defeated (WC) Marcus Willis WR 410 by 4 & 2
L32: Brydan Klein WR 196 defeated (WC) Dan Cox WR 295 by 6-2 5-7 7-6(3)
L32: (7) Alejandro Falla (COL) WR 109 defeated (WC) Dan Smethurst WR 564 by 3 & 1
L32: (WC) Josh Milton WR 355 defeated (8) Austin Krajicek (USA) WR 118 by 6-4 7-6(5)
L32: Hiroki Moriya (JPN) WR 171 defeated Liam Broady WR 176 by 0-6 7-6(4) 6-1
L32: (5) James Ward WR 104 defeated Igor Sijsling (NED) WR 166 by 6-7(0) 7-6(5) 7-6(5) - some scoreline! disbelief
L32: Jimmy Wang (TPE) WR 151 defeated (ALT) Ed Corrie WR 234 by 7-5 2-6 6-3

******

L16: (1) Marcos Baghdatis WR 59 vs Brydan Klein WR 196
L16: (WC) Josh Milton WR 355 vs Hiroki Moriya (JPN) WR 171
L16: (5) James Ward WR 104 vs Dennis Novikov (USA) WR 184

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Moriya s good WR17 but have every faith in Josh. Time for Brydan to whip up the local support with a win.

-- Edited by Oakland2002 on Wednesday 3rd of June 2015 07:21:47 PM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Who knows how it will pan out, but what a good first game from Josh - so tight.

Break up straight off . . .

ADD:

And then a pretty horrid service game (with Josh's serve you have to get the first one in for the most part)

And THEN another excellent tidy return game - and it's three breaks in three games.

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Thursday 4th of June 2015 10:24:32 AM

Jaffa · Challenger level

Stream isn't working for me. It's 3-3* now.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

I know - it's just gone down :(

Everyone should call and ask them, politely, to get it back up and running ASAP !

Northern Tennis Club Phone: 0161 445 3093

Collective action !

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

back up and running

and thank you to the nice lady who said she'd go and notify the tech powers that be . . .

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Josh lost the first set by 3-6, but is currently 3-0* in the second.