Week 22 - ITF ($15K) - Montemor-O-Novo, Portugal Hard

Peter too · Tennis legend

Week 22 - ITF ($15K) - Montemor-O-Novo, Portugal Hard

the addict · Tennis legend

Something must be attracting them to Portugal at this time of year ! wink

I thought it was going to be in the Algarve, but no, its inland, 50 miles east of Lisbon, with 3 hardcourts

indiana · Tennis legend

I think "hard courts" are the magic words as well as being relatively easy to get to.

It's inevitable to a degree, but I wish that there was more domestic clay court competition ( for instance how many British tour events are on clay ? ) to give our players more clay court experience so that more would have some trust that they could compete on clay.

the addict · Tennis legend

Very true. And there's a motorway to Lisbon.

As for clay courts, I completely agree. The British Tour has 31 events + the masters this year. Inevitably 17 are indoor, but of the rest there are 4 clay, then 5 grass, then one clay in August.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

But how many clubs in Britain have clay courts? And sufficient, decent-ish quality clay courts?

I mean, you can only work with what's on offer.

indiana · Tennis legend

Fair point that to a large extent we have to work with where tradition re not catering for the "devil dirt" has left us.

Though re ITF level we have clay courts in Edinburgh and I assume still in Bournemouth yet no longer hold events there.

the addict · Tennis legend

Bournemouth does have clay courts - there was a Bt Tier1 event there at the beginning of May - using 8 courts I believe

The Optimist · ATP qualifying

indiana wrote:
I think "hard courts" are the magic words as well as being relatively easy to get to.

Also, the 2 official hotels are walking distance from the court and 35 / 50 Euro pp for a 2 person room compared to 65 Euro pp for a 2 person room in Tunisia. Also 64 person Q draw as opposed to 32 so plenty of room for all comers to get in.

Peter too · Tennis legend

I went to the Bournemouth $10K event a couple of times and it seemed well attended. It has several courts including one with tiered seating and a very good Club House/Cafeteria. I suspect the ITF cancelled the event to ensure that our girls were not led astray by the extensive selection of evil cakes on display there.

paulisi · Tennis legend

There aren't many other venues in the UK suitable with sufficient clay courts of the standard required.
I think there was a junior event at Queenswood school, but there would be logistical issues with hosting.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Wins so far for Tiffany and Emilie LG.

Losses for Emily M, Sofie, Dominique and Ellie

Peter too · Tennis legend

Q1: MCLEAN, Dominique-Chante (GBR) UNR lost to JANSEN FIGUERAS, Helena (ESP) UNR 0-6 2-6
Q1: MORTON, Emily (GBR) UNR lost to MORENO BARRANQUERO, Angeles (ESP) UNR 1-6 5-7
Q1: WILLIAM, Tiffany (GBR) UNR def SVECOVA, Tereza (CZE) UNR 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2
Q1: SAINSBURY, Laura (GBR) 3 827 v Bye
Q1: WOON, Sofie (GBR) UNR lost to CLERICI, Giada (ITA) UNR 6-7(3) 3-6
Q1: LINDH GALLAGHER, Emilie (GBR) UNR def MOREIRA DA SILVA, Rita (POR) UNR 6-2 6-1
Q1: TSIMBILAKIS, Ellie (GBR) UNR lost toCERVINO RUIZ, Celia (ESP) UNR 2-6 3-6
Q1: GILLAN, Alice (GBR) UNR def SILVA, Daniella ((CAN) UNR 7-5 2-6 6-2
Q1: DEIGMAN, Laura (GBR) 7 993 v Bye
Q1: BARNETT, Alicia (GBR) 8 1080 v Bye
Q1: SAMWAYS, Chelsea May (GBR) UNR lost to NOI, Yukako (JPN) UNR 2-6 2-6

Q2: WILLIAM, Tiffany (GBR) UNR v CORTEZ LLORCA, Lucia (ESP) UNR 16yo JCH=1747
Q2: SAINSBURY, Laura (GBR) 3 827 v SHARMA, Nandini (IND) UNR 18yo JCH=589
Q2: LINDH GALLAGHER, Emilie (GBR) UNR v EKLUND, Mia Nicole (FIN) 5 937 CH=820 31/10/16
Q2: DEIGMAN, Laura (GBR) 7 993 v LANCA. Sara (POR) UNR CH=1158 28/11/16
Q2: BARNETT, Alicia (GBR) 8 1080 v NOI, Yukako (JPN) UNR

-- Edited by Peter too on Sunday 28th of May 2017 12:07:48 AM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

QR1: GILLAN, Alice (GBR) UNR def. SILVA, Daniella (CAN) UNR 7-5 2-6 6-2

QR1: SAMWAYS, Chelsea May (GBR) UNR lost to NOI, Yukako (JPN) UNR 6-2 6-2

wimdledont · Challenger level

If this is some sort of official LTA-supported trip, with some shared coaching back-up, that could explain the great gaggle, and would be good efficient use of resources.

But I was under the impression that this coming week also saw about the biggest British tour event, in North Oxford, where a lot is decided for the entrants to the qWCs play-offs? Seems surprising to see some of these names practicing on hard courts, when the grass season kicks off so soon. In a week's time some of them might even have hoped to sneak into qualies at the 100k Surbiton, if several of the main field are still involved at R-G.

In fact, award 4 Brits in qualies MD WCs, Sam and Eden get into Qs by right, and Laura D is the second-highest ranked contender for a qWC...

www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women's-tournament/info.aspx

the addict · Tennis legend

I am a little surprised ar the lack of ranked players competing at North Oxford, especially compared to thecorresonding event at Felixstowe last year. Of course only one can win the WC into the playoffs, but there are only 3 ranked players in the draw there.

But of those in Portugal, only Maia, Eden, Laura S, Laura D and Alicia stand a chance of the playoffs, so maybe they're all chasing after ranking points to get into the draw.