Oh, and so close for Fran but not to be. She was always chasing things in that final set, going an early break down, reclaiming it, but then serving second with a run of held serves by both until she was serving at *5-6. She saved 1 MP, but then lost the 2nd to go down 6-1 4-6 5-7 in 2hrs 19mins.
A great performance nevertheless, Fran really is starting to up her game now and make her mark at the 25k level, even if she doesn't secure a win this week. Will be up to GB #9 next week.
Fran is the second biggest loser in WTA points in the EOY changes - She may lose 200+ places so she is having to go for 25k points - but so is everbody else.
25Ks have been a challenge for the girls in the cohort 3-5 yrs ahead of her ie. the Katies, Harriet, Gabi et al. Admittedly the changes at this level will cause a rankings dip but she has gained a lot this year through her 15k successes and get the feeling she is beginning to belong on the 25K circuit. Agreed access may require additional qualifying matches but with a carefully planned itinerary she is now in a position to progress. This time last year a step up would have been too much.