Week 1 - WTA International ($250K) - Auckland, New Zealand - Hard

AliBlahBlah · All-time great

Week 1 - WTA International ($250K) - Auckland, New Zealand - Hard

tony_orient · ATP qualifying

Hard to know what to expect from Laura at the best of times, but first match of the year, I have no idea!

Priesty · Challenger level

One would hope that she has at least put some hard yards in during the off-season and is fit and raring to go. Perhaps a return to the top flight, albeit in the qualifiers, will inspire her.

LordBrownof · Futures level

Just a quick clarification point - both Laura and Heather are without full time coaches, correct? I know Heather uses Pat Harrison (Dad of Ryan, I believe) part time but not sure if it's now full time travel type situation. Just a strange situation for two women who could afford a full time coach with experience (easier said than done, obvs), and who really should have one at this stage of their careers.

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

Heather I'm sure is looking for a coach but maybe finding it hard to get a good one with her slide in rankings last year. As for Laura I guess it depends whether she is still heavily funded by the LTA. She has hardly earned any money on court (although clearly still has various sponsorship deals) for 2 or 3 years now so may not be able to afford one off her own bat. My understanding is that she has recently moved into the JTC group alongside Freya, Harriet and Katie B. I don't know whether they send coaches out to tournaments with any of their players but would suspect if they can get a group playing a similar schedule that they would supply coach support. Imagine that is what happened in the recent US run involving that group of girls.

Mervatron2 · Challenger qualifying

Good luck Laura. Let's get 2017 off with a bang.

Miriambee · Futures level

Laura could be on court in the next hour or so, the way Yang has started (3-0 up 1st set). This is the match before Laura's.

murrayman650 · ATP level

Laura about to start in 5 minutes

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Indeed, Laura's match appears to be on court now. I'really need an early night but will probably stay with it ...... because .....

murrayman650 · ATP level

0-15

15-15

15-30

15-40

30-40

1-0 Robson

0-15

0-30

15-30

15-40

30-40

40-40

adv Martincova

1-1 (3 df from Robson)

0-15

15-15

15-30

30-30

40-30

2-1 Martincova

murrayman650 · ATP level

0-15

15-15

30-15 (ace 1)

40-15 (ace 2)

40-30

40-40

adv Martincova

40-40

adv Robson

40-40

adv Martincova

3-1

15-0

15-15

30-15

40-15

4-1

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

Oh dear, I see Laura still hasn't got rid of her DF habit

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Not going swimmingly well then ! But as ever remain guardedly optimistic

murrayman650 · ATP level

0-15

15-15

30-15

40-15

4-2

15-0

15-15

15-30

30-30

40-30

40-40

adv Martincova

40-40

adv Martincova

5-2

PaulM · Tennis legend

Has had chances but a bit disappointing so far.

Naomi will open against Kovinic