That said, it is a v strong entry list from a rankings perspective. But if no Brits end up playing (or just a few wild cards), then what is the actual point of only putting on a few $25k events in the UK?
What on earth is Draper playing futures for, futures is now pointless as no points until semi. He should enter challenger or challenger qualifying.
Jack's got to make himself a better tennis player. It's not about points etc. for him yet - he's too young - he's going to get wildcards from the LTA so he'll get his chance in bigger events - his choices at the moment should be based on what is necessary as a pathway to playing better - then the points will take of themselves.
What on earth is Draper playing futures for, futures is now pointless as no points until semi. He should enter challenger or challenger qualifying.
Jack's got to make himself a better tennis player. It's not about points etc. for him yet - he's too young - he's going to get wildcards from the LTA so he'll get his chance in bigger events - his choices at the moment should be based on what is necessary as a pathway to playing better - then the points will take of themselves.
This.
My immediate reaction on reading Vandy's post was indeed it's not just about points and money.
As said he is young and developing and also it seems a reasonable starter to build up in the new year. Many players, not just young, would have build up tournaments at the start of a year or after some time out.
Though at his career stage I would actually expect to see him still playing quite a number of ITFs, even without the challenger qualifying entry issues that could arise as seagull points to for a player ranked outside the top 500.
-- Edited by indiana on Monday 28th of January 2019 10:52:44 PM
The way her form currently is, surely Shrewsbury would make much more sense for Heather than Doha qualifying? She generally plays quite well here, she'll be in the UK anyway for the Fed Cup the week before and there's not many realistic chances for circa top 100 players to play in the UK outside of the grass month.
She'll be the 2nd seed and if she can reach the quarter finals, she will get 18 points and she will be playing those 150-180 or qualifiers and wildcards outside the top 200 - it'll be a good chance to get a few more wins on the board.
If she chooses Doha qualifying, she'll have to come through 2 rounds to get 18 points (and 3 to qualify) and look at some of the opponent she could face:
She's very likely to have to face one of those top 8 seeds to get those 18 points which will be much tougher than 2 wins (at home) against much lower ranked players.
The Shrewsbury Club tweeted earlier today that Heather was going to be there. (unless of course they were going for publicity, says my cynical side)
The Shrewsbury Club
@shrewsbury_club 6 hours ago
Fantastic news! @HeatherWatson92 will be playing at the @budgenmotors World Tennis Tour W60 Tournament! Top tennis at The Shrewsbury Club in February, plus family activities, Hospitality nights and more! #W60Shrewsbury #WomensTennis @BritishTennis @tennisscotland
The Shrewsbury Club tweeted earlier today that Heather was going to be there. (unless of course they were going for publicity, says my cynical side)
The Shrewsbury Club
@shrewsbury_club 6 hours ago
Fantastic news! @HeatherWatson92 will be playing at the @budgenmotors World Tennis Tour W60 Tournament! Top tennis at The Shrewsbury Club in February, plus family activities, Hospitality nights and more! #W60Shrewsbury #WomensTennis @BritishTennis @tennisscotland
Good news if true. Watson will be the biggest and most recognisable name in the draw and while Katie B will be there, they are making quite a big deal about top 100 players since it is a bigger tournament. Great for GB girls though that 5 are in direct and 3 of those will be seeded.