The thing is players have to learn to like grass. Even our guys get 6 weeks a year or so to play on it, not even that perhaps. And most arent bought up on it like in the old days. You need to have a lot of flexibility, gung ho, panache , attack minded style game and be able to shortern and adapt your swing. It takes time and eventually guys get it - Dan is made for it, his biggest issue is power for cheap points, and hence why he could destroy Kozlov today. Kyle will probably take a few seasons to get comfortable but he seems to be a learner and so will get there. Cam also appears to be a learner and his game is tidy and is learning on clay suggests he can probably get to enjoy grass quite quickly.

But Kyle will get there. But I think Dan will get more wins on grass this season, hence my vote on the poll.

Regarding the main draw. Fair to say the spots against Qualifiers arguably the worst. With two Likely Qs ranked higher than the #1 seed.

Madadman wrote:

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Popped along today. Watched Jack against Oscar. Think its the first time Ive seen Jack. Looks a reasonable player with a decent serve although not up against the toughest opponent. As for Oscar he looks like he could be a decent player. Really struggled returning Jacks serve it was a bit like a boy playing man I thought. However once Oscar grows a bit he could be a very handy player.

Dans match was strange however good he was Kozlov almost appeared not interested. Was a very strange performance from him. Having said that Dan looked in decent form.
Ed looked in good form as well.

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Thanks for the reports. Sounds like there may have been a few forumites there today.

Vandenburg wrote:

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Glasspool gets a main draw wildcard.......

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Yes, and...? 

Madadman wrote:

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Popped along today. Watched Jack against Oscar. Think its the first time Ive seen Jack. Looks a reasonable player with a decent serve although not up against the toughest opponent. As for Oscar he looks like he could be a decent player. Really struggled returning Jacks serve it was a bit like a boy playing man I thought. However once Oscar grows a bit he could be a very handy player.

Dans match was strange however good he was Kozlov almost appeared not interested. Was a very strange performance from him. Having said that Dan looked in decent form.
Ed looked in good form as well.

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Completely agree. Well done to Dan but I would have fined Kozlov for non-combativity - as you say, he was completely disinterested. Which was amusing as I heard one of the other GB players say that Dan had been a bit 'glum' when he saw the draw and thought he'd got a tough one. 

And, yes, Oscar has a lot of skill, I thought, but - as you say - looked about 12 and does not have the weight yet to quite cut it at this level but that doesn't mean he shouldn't try because he played some very good games. Jack F-H was also perhaps slightly disappointing ??? But maybe that was because it's always a slightly strange match when you're playing a young lad - it seems harsh to be ultra competitive. 

Jack Molloy put in a great shift and came away with a super win. But the American lad should never have lost really. And I can't help think it was partly Krygios' constant support (and teasing) that had something to do with it. 

Ed, Brydan and Bambo all did very well - they weren't easy matches, any of them, and they all played well. Obviously, Ed gets the most credit, view the ranking of Harrison. 

The star of the day for me, though, was Mark WHitehouse. Firstly because the guy has a world class degree from Imperial University (and a Masters too I seem to remember, but am not sure). AND also he plays a really honest, good level game of tennis. Thoroughly deserved to win against the top 500 player. Kept up his level, played smart, played well, good shotmaking - really good match. Shows what's possible even if you go to uni....

Good day for the Brits and as pointed out one guaranteed WC. Dan must be favourite and it is hard to see anyone else getting through.

Of the 4 main draw qualifiers, all are beatable, at least if it is Dan. Certainly on grass. So this is a great opportunity. Fingers crossed.

Jack Molloy v Ed Corrie will be interesting. Arguably our best player in US college last season in a very tough conference and played number 3 behind two seniors at Cal. Could easily be playing number 1 next year which means be playing the top US college guys (some of whom he played this year) in conference who will go pro ie, at UCLA (Keegan Smith 6'7" freshman) Stanford (Axel Geller junior Wimbledon champion last year) USC (Brandon Holte , Tracey Austin's son) Arizona State (Michael Geerts). Hopefully Paul Jubb will get some opportunities too as as a freshman he forced his way into the number 1 slot at South Carolina where he did exceptionally well dragging the programme forward in another very powerful conference.