Week 23 - Challenger (€42,500) - Aegon Trophy, Surbiton, UK (grass)

paulisi · Tennis legend

Week 23 - Challenger (€42,500) - Aegon Trophy, Surbiton, UK (grass)

RJA · Hall of fame

Bob in Spain wrote:
Joe managed to match the bookies expectations, (sorry Jeff) and he beat Marcus 6-2 6-1. Joe may not have had much success in the last few months but grass has always been his favourite surface.

Not to mention that grass really, really, really isn't Marcus's favourite surface. Hence why I thought the bookies had it about right.

RJA · Hall of fame

Spectator wrote:
For what it's worth, Bjorn Fratangelo is that rare bird, a non-European, non-Latin American who actually prefers clay. So it may not be as bad for Mr Glasspool as it looks. Tim Smyczek, on the other hand, I seem to recall quite likes grass. No idea about Alexander Sarkissian, Wu Di or Aldin Setkic.

I always feel a little sorry for Fratangelo. When tennis mad parents name their son Bjorn it does put a bit of pressure on the lad. From what I can see he has only played 2 matches on grass during his professional career, both at Wimbledon qualifying last year. He won his first round courtesy of a soft draw against Amir Weintraub.

Smyczek's grass record is pretty poor and his form at the moment is utterly dreadful so Liam should have a chance. I have seen a bit of Sarkissian and his results are all over the place, some great looking wins and some awful defeats.

Madadman · Masters Series Champion

Went to Surbiton yesterday, watched a few games.
First one I watched was Sailsbury - Walters. First time I've watched either. Joe looked confident from the start which I can't say Marcus looked confident at all. Joe's game did appear to be suited to Grass. Was disappointed with Marcus was expecting a bit more. While that match was going on, the adjacent court had O'hare - Morphy on. I know David hasn't exactly done much in singles but is an experienced Challenger Qualies and doubles player. I was impressed with Morphy who I believe is 16/17 a bit more professional tournament experience he might be able to pick up some points.
I then caught a bit of Alexis Canter and Max Benaim. Didn't watch much of Alexis match as it was clear to see he was playing someone much too good for him. Although Max lost he kept in the match and played some good stuff at some points.
Finished off watching the Sailsbury - Smethurst match and also O'Hare - Milton.
Joe started off the better I think having already played a match on that court helped as the grass appeared a bit long. Dan started to get going and once he was on top it looked like there was only going to be one winner.
Was mainly watching the Joe-Dan game but also caught some of Josh's game. I last saw him at Wimbledon Q1 last season and although he looked comfortable against O'Hare looked some way off the standard he was playing when I saw him last summer.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Jonny leading Josh M 6-4 4-2*

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

And it's Jonny who qualifies:

FQR: Jonny O'Mara WR 716 defeated (q4) Josh Milton WR 376 by 4 & 2

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Really pleased for Jonny. I am a Josh fan too so this was difficult, but perhaps we have seen the best of Milts, whilst the best of Jonny is still to come.

Hoping Dan S can surprise the top seed and join Jonny et al in the MD.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Dan into a 1st set TB.

scottie1 · Futures level

Bob in Spain wrote:
Really pleased for Jonny. I am a Josh fan too so this was difficult, but perhaps we have seen the best of Milts, whilst the best of Jonny is still to come.

Hoping Dan S can surprise the top seed and join Jonny et al in the MD.

fantastic win for Jonny

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Copil claims the first set by 7-6(3). cry

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Copil takes the breaker against Dan 7-3.

Why is Copil in qualies anyway. Brydan was last DE into the main draw with a ranking of 228 while Copil is ranked 182 and in qualies.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
Why is Copil in qualies anyway. Brydan was last DE into the main draw with a ranking of 228 while Copil is ranked 182 and in qualies.

Pass! furious

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

So much of a serve fest with no breaks, until Dan breaks to love in the 9th game of the 2nd and will serve for the set at *5-4.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Dan holds. 1 set all.

Into the decider we go. Come on Dan.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

FQR: (q1) Marius Copil (ROU) WR 182 defeated (q7) Dan Smethurst WR 496 7-6(3) 4-6 6-3 furious

FQR: Jonny O'Mara WR 716 defeated (q4) Josh Milton WR 376 by 4 & 2