Prague WTA International - currently 2 out from main draw but I still expect her to make the cut
Madrid Premier Qualifying
Rome Premier Qualifying
Roland Garros main draw
That's what Fitz said in his interview, given the original plan of playing the 125K in New York is no longer an option as it has been cancelled.
The good thing about this schedule is that it keeps her relatively fresh for the grass season, while giving her the chance to get some match practice on clay against top 100 standard opposition, in case she gets a weak opponent at Roland Garros.
-- Edited by kundalini on Friday 15th of April 2016 04:59:28 PM
Very interesting interview. Good to see her get such high-profile coverage.
In 2015, Naomi picked up 151 points between this week and the start of August. Subtracting all of these from her current total of 824 points would give her 673 = WR104; so I think she is a dead cert to also qualify for the US Open main draw already.
Can't believe that she hasn't got a big sponsor. Some big marketing heads could well end up on the block come mid July.
She is indeed a dead cert for the US Open MD, with only 69 of these points to come off before early August being currently counters, or at least counters on Monday when her latest 20 replaces last year's French Open 20.
Great article and thanks for posting. Perhaps even more than Fitzy's earlier interview this makes it clear just how hand to mouth has been Naomi's tennis existence so far, and what a bet she took on herself in hiring Fitzy. Her success will certainly be sweeter to follow as a result. It's also good to see that Fitzy is keeping Naomi very grounded, but her own experience will also do so, at least till she has reached a level of some financial security, which she certainly deserves.
Naomi and Dan probably already have my two tennis heroes of the year awards, even if there are some good supporting stories emerging too. Dan has certainly gone the long route too, though he has had a greater level of central support than Naomi ever has.
Naomi's ( or Broady household ) choice in many ways. Their decision ( reaction to the LTA's action against her as a teenager, an episide that otherwise would have been long forgotten ) that she has as the Independent article describes "had to fend for herself" though as she says herself vitally aided by the income from Wimbledon WCs.
I'm very pleased that it's now working out so very well for her, but she could have been such a loss or at least been hugely far from reaching her potential.
-- Edited by indiana on Wednesday 4th of May 2016 11:01:56 PM
She is indeed a dead cert for the US Open MD, with only 69 of these points to come off before early August being currently counters, or at least counters on Monday when her latest 20 replaces last year's French Open 20.
Even if she was to lose every single match between now and early August she would still qualify for the US Open main draw?
She is indeed a dead cert for the US Open MD, with only 69 of these points to come off before early August being currently counters, or at least counters on Monday when her latest 20 replaces last year's French Open 20.
Even if she was to lose every single match between now and early August she would still qualify for the US Open main draw?
Yes, it's a great article, I had just seen it. I love Naomi's refreshing candour - and her final statement, 'Me and clay are official friends this year'. Guess we'll see soon if this year's friendship has any legs in it!
Yeah, she really is a breath of fresh air, you've got to love her down-to-earthness and honesty. I think she could be a great inspiration to some of our youngsters.