Having seen how pleased Liam looked with today's performance I can't but help think this is a major step forward for him.
The whole seeding process massively skews how low ranked players progress, Liam beat a player ranked 50 places above him, he's won a 5 setter this is his first appearance in the first round at a GS. He is a player in development and a long way from the finished article. Having watched him a reasonable amount this season he has played well often with no reward.
Things fell into place nicely today, it was excellent use of a wild card ticking all the boxes. Liam has cash in his pocket to further his career, great tennis that drew positive headlines, generated a first week buzz. Liam has also had an opportunity to sample the feeling of winning in a slam, is there anything more motivating for a young player.? He would have been competitive in qualifying as he was in Australia but there was a significant risk of him not progressing and getting this opportunity.
I saw very little of the match but was absolutely delighted to see the result. And having read some of the comments earlier in this thread, from where the match was still going on, I think a large chunk of humble pie might be on the menu.
Given that this was Liam's 1st ever MD match in a slam, there are so many factors that come into play other than just the ability to choose the right shot and execute. The nerves, the pressure of being a "Brit at Wimbledon", the crowd's expectations, the press etc. Add into that the fact that Liam had never played a competitive 5 setter before and when you add it all up, this has to be considered as a tremendous performance.
Was it perfect ? Of course not. If he was able to produce perfect performances every time he would be WR 1. But he has come back from 2 sets down while playing a higher ranked opponent against a backdrop of all extra pressure that Wimbledon brings and he has WON THE MATCH.
Fantastic effort Liam. Absolutely buzzing for you.
I was in the crowd for 4.5 sets. Here are some thoughts -
1) Liam wasn't getting any free points on his serve in the first two sets. In the second set in particular, I was concerned that it was becoming a major weakness. However, in the final 3 sets he really stepped up, not just in aces but the placement was really excellent too.
2) Despite being two sets down, Liam's attitude was great. Didn't get down on himself, wasn't any negative body language from where I was sat.
3) Backhand cross court is a solid and often, very good, shot.
4) Final three sets he played much better but it could've been easier. He didn't really move MM around enough, esp because he looked knakered at times. There were loads of opportunities to go back behind him but didn't. I say this not to be negative but to highlight that there are big opps to improve.
Overall, solid performance in final three sets and mentally I thought he was excellent. Needs to develop some court craft (particularly on grass) and if he can put a little power behind either the backhand or forehand, will have the game to progress further.
hoping the crowd can similarly inspire James today (and the others of course) - really has a great chance, though the problem is he knows it!
also interesting to note that his opponent Vanni made the top 100 (just) for the first time, 2 years older than James!
Jamie Baker commentating on Kyle's match. Really good to hear how he's getting on. Apparently working in banking now - interesting career switch. Sounds like he's doing alright, fair play to him.
It's only online at the moment.
Why do they have to talk when the play has started? They wouldn't do it for a football match!
They have JWT vs Muller on red button. Why not Kyle????????????
Why do we have to listen to Sue Barker wittering on when Kyle is playing? It doesn't seem to be on the red button. Where can I watch it?
I am guessing that they can't start showing live tennis until noon because of broadcasting rights. It can be the only explanation as they did the same yesterday with Liam's match.
NB Just to mention, a lot of tweets on twitter (from Hoferlein and others who know their tennis) giving huge praise to Mark Hilton and the work he's done with Liam recently. So with the congrats to Kyle, just to add 'big congrats' to Hilts too
It is making me SO cross. They are still talking. They boasted about having 7 Brits playing today and then seem oblivious to the fact that one is playing now.
Why do we have to listen to Sue Barker wittering on when Kyle is playing? It doesn't seem to be on the red button. Where can I watch it?
I am guessing that they can't start showing live tennis until noon because of broadcasting rights. It can be the only explanation as they did the same yesterday with Liam's match.