Grass Season Wild Cards?

Vandenburg · Futures level

Grass Season Wild Cards?

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

It has to be said that there are not too many knocking on the door with early season form so far this year. Wardy and Liam will no doubt get their WCs on the back of their performances last year and of the rest, Lloyd is clearly the stand out performer. Beyond that ?

Of the older generation, (24-26 years) there has been very little to justify WCs for any of them. Ed C made one challenger final (on the back of a LL spot) but other than that, neither he, Dan S, Dan C, Marcus nor Milts have really done very much at all. The only one showing the sort of form that may justfy a WC from this age group is Alex Ward.

Of the younger players, they are still so far off in rankings terms (even from qualies), that it is difficult to justify any at all. Dowson is an intersting choice, but having seen him play a couple of times, I don't think he is ready yet, which really just leaves Luke, Jonny and Evan. Luke has had a few good weeks in the last few months particularly at the back end of last year, but is struggling to make a real breakthrough in singles at challenger level. However, his game is proably more suited to grass so I would be tempted to give him a go. Evan made big strides at the back end of last year with a couple of tournament wins, whilst Jonny, prior to this week, has not made a futures final.

The only other name I would throw into the hat (depending on availability) is Cam Norrie, who is clearly underranked because of his college commitments, but has shown that he can play at a much higher level.

So here goes.

Wimbledon WC: J.Ward, Broady and Glasspool (Qualifying WC for Bambridge, Norrie & Alex Ward)

Queens WC: J Ward & Broady (Qualifying WC for Glasspool, Bambridge, Hoyt)

Nottingham WC: Broady and Glasspool (Qualifying WC for Bambridge, Hoyt, O'Mara)

Vandenburg · Futures level

I'm of the belief that there should be no WC or even QWC for the middle age range, Cox, Rice, Milton etc, if they have not made it by now, they will never make it, let's face it. WC should be used for promising youngsters or players who have had an injury like Del Potro.

indiana · Tennis legend

Evo, WR 124, is a fair bit off Wimbledon DA with just 3 weeks until entry date ( maybe Queens too, I'm not sure what kind of cut-off is likely there ). But, yes, he'll certainly get a Wimbledon WC if he needs it.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Vandenburg wrote:
I'm of the belief that there should be no WC or even QWC for the middle age range, Cox, Rice, Milton etc, if they have not made it by now, they will never make it, let's face it. WC should be used for promising youngsters or players who have had an injury like Del Potro.

As a general principle, I would agree with this. But there is such a dearth of genuine younger contenders, that you either have to look overseas or "to the next in line". I am still hoping Alex Ward can sneak into Wimbledon qualies on ranking, but if he doesn't, I still think I would put him in under my "next in line" philosphy.

Other than that, I am with you totally in picking the younger generation.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

indiana wrote:
Evo, WR 124, is a fair bit off Wimbledon DA with just 3 weeks until entry date ( maybe Queens too, I'm not sure what kind of cut-off is likely there ). But, yes, he'll certainly get a Wimbledon WC if he needs it.

Yes. It goes without saying that if Evo misses out on a DA, he will get a WC and it will be thoroughly deserved.

RJA · Hall of fame

Beyond Evo (if needed) I don't think anyone has really done enough to warrant a main draw wild card although that could change following the grass court challengers. Ward and Broady will probably get them but I don't really think they should. Getting a wild card and a soft draw one year doesn't strike me as a good reason for getting a wild card the following year. I see that Glasspool has been suggested but at the moment I think a qualifying wild card (if needed) would be better for him unless he does really well during the grass court challengers.

Hoppy · Junior player

I would tend to agree with RJA. I think the youngsters have to perform at challenger level before they can be considered for main draw wcs - qwcs yes. Having said that they will have the opportunity to show what they can do in the upcoming challengers in Korea/Thailand. Fingers crossed

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

It is very true to say that "Who do you think will ...?" and "Who do you think should ...?" are very different questions.

Hoppy · Junior player

Who do you think will is easier
Evo, Liam, James W will get MD wcs if needed
Alex W, Lloyd, Ed, Luke? For qwcs
Then again I know nothing!

indiana · Tennis legend

Oh, Re Wimbledon MD who do you think should is very easy for me

Anyway, Evo and James will.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Just talking Wimbly:

Despite being a mega Lloyd fan, I don't think there's any chance of lloyd getting a MD wildcard (unless he suddenly has an amazing run of form, but that applies to everyone, or could apply to anyone). He's a LONG way off the ranking, is not one of the LTA's chosen few, and has no form on grass. Definitely give him a Quali WC though.

I'd also give Jay and Ryan Quali WCs.

Top 30 juniors should get a boost and it'll give them good practice before the Junior event.

indiana · Tennis legend

I take it that Brydan is injured, having not played since retiring from a match at the start of February.

He got a MD WC last year, and without a point to his name this year, having hardly played, remains 72 places ahead of Liam in the rankings ( WR 207 to WR 279 ). Clearly he would surely get at least a Q WC if fit. Liam will also clearly get a WC of some description.

I would think Alex and Lloyd will get Q WCs, others are there to be won. Josh Milton if he can give an early repeat of his grass form of last year. Ed Corrie possibly. I can see re Jay and Ryan, but don't think they will get Q WCs.

-- Edited by indiana on Saturday 23rd of April 2016 03:03:23 PM

Vandenburg · Futures level

I'm all for Liam getting WC, as I think at his age, he is still a developing player, even though his ranking has gone in the wrong direction.

But if we give the likes of Glasspool a WC, and they are not ready yet, what is the worst than can happen, they lose in straights sets and are then mentally scared for life?? I think not.

Vandenburg · Futures level

Having said that, just looking at the last direct acceptance for the main draw of last years tourns, both Queens and Nottingham were pretty high, so even Edmund may require a WC for queens!