Weeks 21-22 - Roland Garros 2016 - Paris, France - Clay

Michael D · All-time great

RE: Weeks 21-22 - Roland Garros 2016 - Paris, France - Clay

philwrig · Hall of fame

I'd add something to that analysis, in that sometimes Hev is too preoccupied with her side of the court, in particular during rallies, either missing the opportunity to get into the net when in control of a rally or not putting a groundie to the right side of the court when in control. Hev had break point at 4-2, and when in complete control, with SK stuck in the deuce part of the court, Hev twice put it straight back to her, when a shot to the ad side of the court would have given her a very easy winner, and got her back on serve.

AliBlahBlah · All-time great

Michael D wrote:
AliBlahBlah wrote:
[...]
Out of interest, since I wasn't listening, and if you recall them, what were the main technical issues they identified AliBB?

They discussed the various aspects of Heather's backhand, how she addresses the ball on that side, and executes the stroke, and how it forces her to come across her body and lose power and precision on that side. Also that the knock on effect is that it makes it less reliable and thus prone to errors, which was demonstrated today. They expanded upon how that affects her whole game, as, in specific situations, it limits what shots she seems able to play, and how the choices she make sometimes seem dictated by this shortcoming - it forces her to play passively in certain circumstances, or to drop the ball short involuntarily. It also means that anything above shoulder height or thereabouts on that side is exponentially more difficult to deal with and adds even more to the errors.

They also drew a distinction between Heather's excellent athleticism and speed and how that didn't necessarily mean that her footwork was always good. In some cases, they said, she's almost too fast, gets to a ball too soon, and is almost out of position by being ahead of the ball or having too much time to wait, better to make adjustments and always be approaching the ball than to go too far and have to back up before hitting the shot.

Amongst other things.

I thought it might be available for catch up on the ITV service, and was going to highlight it, but sadly not.

AliBlahBlah · All-time great

R2: Heather WATSON (GBR) 54 lost to Svetlana KUZNETSOVA (RUS) [13] 15 1-6 3-6
All over for another year

Ah well, at least some doubles still to hang some hope on.

Spectator · All-time great

Thanks for that, ABB. Someone with Bartholi's intelligence, work ethic and experience would make quite a formidable coach/consultant.

Michael D · All-time great

Spectator wrote:
Thanks for that, ABB. Someone with Bartholi's intelligence, work ethic and experience would make quite a formidable coach/consultant.

Yes, my thanks too AliBB for the detailed explanation. That's very interesting. It also suggests two things. One, that with her natural skills and athleticism, Heather should be able to go higher, but two, she probably needs another coach. I must admit I wasn't very excited to see Diego V back in her team at Miami, it seemed he had probably reached his limits with her, and he's been her coach long enough that if she still has these technical flaws, he's not necessarily going to help her with them. Heather's game has always struck me that she should be able to do better than she has done so far, since she is quick, agile and can strike the ball well, but there's a ceiling there at the moment she needs to find a way through. Marion B is certainly extremely impressive, and yes, Heather would certainly benefit from an advisor of her calibre!

wimdledont · Challenger level

Did Andy pick the wrong mademoiselle?

I remember being astounded by how astute Bartholi's comments were at RG15. I'm a huge fan, and happy to repeat that I think she's a contender for the best co-commentator in any sport; if only she'd pipe down on the wittering about tats'n'grunts'n'dresses when the ball is in play.

As she famously doesn't get on with the FFT, it coud also be a brilliant move by the LTA to hire her in some capacity. There's a vacancy for the Fed Cup captaincy...? It would be fantastic if our top dozen or so players could benefit from her input. And she's already a member of the AELTC.

DF · Tennis legend

Bartoli used to pretend to be hurt when she was losing and whimpered and sighed and made such an exhibition of herself. Truly a comic character. She ventured into designing dresses. I do not think much of her dresses. Did you see the one JJ wore? She was able to play well but I do not want any of our players to emulate her at all.

wimdledont · Challenger level

They don't have to mimic her - do as she says, not as she does.

I'd say that anything that anything that keeps her from designing any more dresses is just an added bonus.

Her probable 'courtside manner' might count against her. But her in-match tactical analysis is excellent; and she's got a great eye for the specific aspects of individual shots that are going askew, or could be improved, as ABB has outlined really well above.

Her colleagues on ITV4 seem to be very impressed with her, so it's not just me. They're now broadcasting her virtues, so I'd be surprised if she's not snapped up soon. I hope at least they'll get a tape of this match to Heather.

vohor · Grand Slam Champion

I haven't managed to see much of the TV coverage but caught John Inverdale and Marion having a nice friendly chat across a small table the other evening...wonder how that goes when the cameras aren't rolling!!

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Did John have his Rose tinted glasses on?

scottie1 · Futures level

vohor wrote:
I haven't managed to see much of the TV coverage but caught John Inverdale and Marion having a nice friendly chat across a small table the other evening...wonder how that goes when the cameras aren't rolling!!

Why have ITV employed Inverdale he knows rap all about tennis

indiana · Tennis legend

scottie1 wrote:
vohor wrote:
I haven't managed to see much of the TV coverage but caught John Inverdale and Marion having a nice friendly chat across a small table the other evening...wonder how that goes when the cameras aren't rolling!!
Why have ITV employed Inverdale he knows rap all about tennis

That would be quite an achievement considering he's been covering it off and on on radio and TV for probably about 20 years.

Priesty · Challenger level

Oakland2002 wrote:
Did John have his Rose tinted glasses on?

And does she know what he once said about her on air while she was still playing?

indiana · Tennis legend

Priesty wrote:
Oakland2002 wrote:
Did John have his Rose tinted glasses on?
And does she know what he once said about her on air while she was still playing?

Oh yes

I can't recall what she said at the time, something very diplomatic considering ...