Hi all,

I was there yesterday, and have a couple of thoughts. Everything has to be taken in the context of the tournament (early season, glorified exhibition etc). Just one quick word about the venue. It is now in the city (rather than at the out of town casino), which makes for a much nicer (and cooler) experience. In a way, the comfortable surroundings make it a less good warmup for the AO, but I am sure both Andy and Heather will be getting a lot of practice in the heat.

Andy was very good. Easily outclassed Kenny De Schepper. The Frenchman (who as a nationality don't have a great history against AM!) is a decent big-hitter but lacked the finesse or movement to trouble top players. The match was played in a good spirit. Interesting that Andy was adamant about returning to the UK if the baby comes during the AO. Obviously the right thing to do (at least IMO) but not a position I would imagine all players would take. I was also wondering who the young guy in the box was. Must be a hitting partner for Heather, who did indeed look a little like Fitzy, but not sure of his identity.

Healther was a mixed bag. Great fight and character, serve looked good. Garcia is a class act and didnt seem to sweat at all over three longish sets. I liked the increased attack she has been working into her game, but obviously it came with both more winners and more UEs. The fact she was highly competitive against a player on Garcia's trajectory bodes well for the rest of the year.

Mixed doubles were fun and pretty high quality. Watson returing De Schepper's serve was impressive. The score was a bit unfair on the French team. I think GB won pretty much every deciding point, which can of course be spun as a particular strength. Nothing much to learn that we didnt already know. Both GB players are good doubles players, with good instincts and reactions, and decent (or excellent) volleys.

Anyway, disappointed to not be going to the other ties in person. They are on TV over here, so i will be watching when childminding duties allow.