Hmm, fair draws. Broady could face #1 seed and current top 50 player Belinda Bencic (former top 10 of course) in the 2nd round if she gets past Hogemkamp so hard to see any extended run needed to preserve her AO qualifying spot, but would be nice if she could get another match win.

Very nice draw for Hev and even just one win and 10 ranking points (a net gain of 9) could prove pivotal in securing a direct sport at the AO - it was take her back above Katie B as well. Could face Danielle Lao in the 2nd round who is in a rich vein of form so that wouldn't be easy, but one match at a time and any win will be a significant one.

L16: Nicole GIBBS (USA) / Heather WATSON (GBR) [4] 226 (176 + 50) def Deborah CHIESA (ITA) / Jasmine PAOLINI (ITA) 1287(529+758) 7-6(5) 6-1

indiana wrote:

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The big problem with the singles draw for Naomi, needing wins plural to have any chance of Aussie Open qualifying, is that likelihood of Bencic lieing in wait in R2. But yes, try to get at least a R1 win from this week and take it from there ...

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Yeah, one win and a couple next week in Houston might be enough. Not sure if she will be in Houston quals or direct, but if it is the former then it may be better to try and get some wins and confidence before the main draw, that said, I'd imagine she will have lost to lower ranked players in recent weeks than most in the Q draw.

 

Both second on after 6pm, Heather streamed, Naomi not.

Heather *5-3
Naomi *1-1

Going well so far. Watson cruising, 6-3 *3-0 and Naomi was 2-3* last time I checked but is now 4-3*

Naomi had a couple of SPs, but back on deuce 5-4 40-40*

Watson pegged back *3-2 second set

Gone from SP's to facing 3 BPs for Naomi