Week 35 - Great Britain F8 ($15,000) - Roehampton (Hard)

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

RE: Week 35 - Great Britain F8 ($15,000) - Roehampton (Hard)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
Oli and Evan get the win 11-9 in an MT against Luke and Scott. As I have said previously, under normal circumstances I would always support the player who is still trying to make his way on the tour over the "occasional" player. But this time, I won't deny, there is a part of me that hopes the adrenaline rush of a few wins might just persuade Oli to give the tour another go.

Not holding my breath though, but I do live in hope.

I agree. You never know, maybe Oli will get the taste for it again . . .. smile

And it does help that both Luke and Scott won their singles today, so they didn't really 'need' the doubles win . . .

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

That's Jonnie Gray's first ranking point, so a big well done to him.

Always nice seeing a junior clock up his first point.

As far as I know, like Joel Cannell (same age), Jonnie is not doing the US college route. And so I presume he's giving the pro tour a go (unless other plans? UK uni ?).

If so, we'll be seeing a lot more of both....which is all good news

Priesty · Challenger level

At this stage I wouldn't be getting too excited about Oli making a possible return to the tour - after all, this is doubles and also right on his doorstep and not necessarily a sign that he's prepared to commit to travelling the world again to battle for ranking points. Plus I'm not sure how it would work - if I was in charge of player funding at the LTA I would not have complete confidence, after events of the past year, that he would be a worthwhile investment. But like Bob I would love to see him come back playing singles. Such a waste of talent otherwise.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Priesty wrote:
At this stage I wouldn't be getting too excited about Oli making a possible return to the tour - after all, this is doubles and also right on his doorstep and not necessarily a sign that he's prepared to commit to travelling the world again to battle for ranking points. Plus I'm not sure how it would work - if I was in charge of player funding at the LTA I would not have complete confidence, after events of the past year, that he would be a worthwhile investment. But like Bob I would love to see him come back playing singles. Such a waste of talent otherwise.

I think this tweet from Oli confirms our fears.

That was supposed to be fun. An hour was enough to make me realise that I made a great decision

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Not grasping at straws here it is entirely upto him, many talented people for one reason or another choose a different course admittedly not many US junior open winners but thems the breaks.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

As a British tennis fan you can't have everything, Evo ripping up the tennis world is entertainment enough.

Priesty · Challenger level

Gutted cry

He seemed to be enjoying it enough until a year or so ago but I do wonder if, especially having been a child actor, it was more the pursuit of fame and a large audience that was driving him rather than tennis itself. I was quite interested in a comment by Liam last year that he struggled to adjust from playing junior slam finals in front of big crowds to playing Futures in front of one man and his dog. Oli could probably have made it to the bigger stages had he stuck with it but maybe the grind of getting through Futures and challengers first just isn't for him.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Well, I'm not sure that's the best tweet, when you've won, either to your partner, or to your opponents.

True though it may be, better to wait till the end of one's involvement in the tournament ....

But, yes, it's basic but no point doing it if you don't like it.

And assessing juniors, even informally, one of the things to note is whether they seem to enjoy their tennis or not. There's a neutral middle ground, where it's difficult to tell, but some quite clearly love it, get a real buzz from it, and some seem very 'taught', going through the motions, for parents or whoever....

A1 tennis academy · Satellite level

I do not think there's much chance of oli making a come back

indiana · Tennis legend

I do recall Oli not being always seeming to really consider his tweets. As you say, CD, probably true, but not exactly diplomatic.

Can see partner / opponents giving him some grief in a banter sort of way, which is probably the best way to deal with it.

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

I've been hearing rumours for a short while that Oli was back in training but haven't been sure what to make of them. Him playing dubs here and at County Week gives some substance to them but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Topemp · Strong Club Player

It's raining in Roehampton. Still hoping to play outside so may be a while yet.

Topemp · Strong Club Player

Roehampton hoping to start at 1pm. Are adamant it will be outside and rain stopped 40 minutes ago.

Topemp · Strong Club Player

Have started but now spotting with rain.
Glasspool served 2 aces from 0-40 but then df to give MW early break but then broke back to 0.
MW breaks again for *3-1
Marsalek broken to 15, then had 2 bps but Bossel too good 4-*1