Really enjoyed Ryan's match. Terrific slice, great movement and good shots on the run. Quite inventive at times even if it didn't always come off. Probably could have won but couldn't quite keep his best level up the whole match - for example having broken in a tough game he just relaxed a bit too much and was 0-40 down on his own serve in the blink of an eye. Got back to deuce but couldn't get the game. And just a few other occasions where he let it slip rather than Halys taking it from him. But boy when he was right in the moment he was GREAT. First time I've seen him play and so, so impressed.
As CD says, Lloyd seemed unsettled and a bit out of his depth really. It's not that he wasn't trying but not sure there was really a game plan there. I did wonder if it was because Neil was off the court so quickly that Lloyd wasn't mentally ready to follow him onto court so soon. I'm sure he can play better and be more focussed.
Liam played a smart game, looked calm and in control until the business end of the 2nd set where he hit about 4 or 5 errors on the spin but managed to regroup and finished in style.
Ed was totally in control, even though the match was quite tight in places. Didn't see the end and was dumbstruck at the final score.
Anyone able to put some longer footage of these matches on YouTube? - I'm in the States so I don't get to watch them. Wish they did them all on YouTube like Ausopen qualies. Would love to see more of Willbomb's attempts to repeat last year's heroics
This is what Neil posted on Facebook - don't know how it happened.
"Managed to get on court today despite being in A&E on Saturday morning unable to move my neck. I had a lot of physio over the weekend but sadly it wasn't enough to get me 100% fit. Safe to say I am absolutely gutted but at least I know I've got what it takes to get this far! Onwards and upwards!!"
This is what Neil posted on Facebook - don't know how it happened.
"Managed to get on court today despite being in A&E on Saturday morning unable to move my neck. I had a lot of physio over the weekend but sadly it wasn't enough to get me 100% fit. Safe to say I am absolutely gutted but at least I know I've got what it takes to get this far! Onwards and upwards!!"
Sounds like one of those anxiety / stress related 'injuries' that sportspeople sometimes get when they are nervous before or during a big event. I remember Jimmy White having this problem in a world snooker qualifier a few years ago. Boyd Rankin's injury when making his test debut for England was later deemed to be psychological and not a physical injury.
It's a shame for Neil that today's weather hadn't happened yesterday, the extra day may have made all the difference. Looking at the forecast we might be lucky to clear the matches by Friday.