Excellent again :D

Really nice wins. Well done.

I was disappointed last night when I saw the start times, which have been getting earlier each day this week. I am actually playing (or trying to play) at La Manga each morning this week from 9.00am - 11.00am so when Billy's start time of 11.00am came out, I was just a little bit hacked off. (On a side note, if anyone ever fancies a week of sunshine and tennis, book into La Manga for their week long Adult Academy. Fantastic facilities, quality coaching and a really fun and sociable atmosphere. They cater for all levels). OK. Enough of the La Manga plug.

I dashed up to Murcia and managed to see the entire 2nd set. What I saw was very impressive. Billy was up against a very solid, if unspectacular, Italian who gave nothing away and made Billy work for every point. Billy was his usual aggressive self and took the initiative wherever possible. The set as a whole was very evenly matched with plenty of extended rallies and clean ball striking on both sides of the net. Billy just had the edge however, mostly because of his extra power and his ability to win a few more cheap points with his big serve.

Billy service advantage was never more apparent than on the BPs. I knew he saved several but didn't realize he was 13/13 in BPs saved until I saw Brad's post above. I specifically remember Billy fighting back from 15-40 at both *3-4 and *4-5 down. On the first occasion, he saved the 1st BP with an outrageously lucky net cord, but on the 2nd he held his nerve superbly in a 20+ stroke rally before sealing the point with a BH winner cross court. On the 2nd occasion where SPs were at stake, he saved both with non returnable big serves. And when he finally had his chance to serve out for the match, another couple of big serves eased any pressure and he won the final game to 15.

This has been an excellent week for Billy so far. It only get's tougher from here though as he will play the 17 yo (as of yesterday) Aussie JR 2 who comfortably took out the Nº2 seed in straight sets.

OK. Not really GB related other than one of these two players will be playing Billy in the QF, but CD suggested on another thread that I keep an eye out for two talented youngsters playing here this week.

Christian Ruud - Very difficult to judge him today as he retired injured despite leading 5-2 at the time. He has a forearm problem. What I did see was a a very solid player who has been well schooled. He did everything in the traditional clay court manner, rallying solidly from the back of the court but without a lot of variation. For his age, he was physically the much more mature of the two players. Hope his injury is not serious and that he gets back to playing soon.

Alex de Minaur - It was this Aussie that really impressed me. He turned 17 yesterday but could probably still pass as a 15 year old. And heaven help the tennis world when his physique catches up. His talent was much more instinctive and what impressed me most was his variation. He wasn't afraid to throw in the drop shot and was extremely comfortable coming to the net and volleying. He certainly looked the more "naturally gifted" of the two players. He comfortably beat the rather enigmatic and flamboyant French Nº2 seed, Maxim Hamou.

Good luck tomorrow Billy against young Alex. Hope the tactic you devised for him works well.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Thursday 18th of February 2016 03:40:11 PM

Great reports Bob, thanks :D

I think he's being launderer to the stars, CD. Or at least one of them. This is full-service fandom!

Thanks so much, Bob, for your service to us, too. It's always really great to get your reports. Tomorrow's match sounds a cracker!

Nah, we'll keep you on.....

Especially if you're providing laundry services as well.

Don't know about the forum's private health care and share bonus scheme though - you might get nixed from that.....

And definitely don't try putting in travel expenses !!!

Fingers crossed for Billy.