Bob in Spain wrote:

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For me, the big point towards the end was when Dan was serving at *5-6 15-30, and with Halys charging the net, Dan played a gorgeous dipping slice into his feet that he couldn't cope with and he dumped the low volley into the net.

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 That point also sticks in my mind, though I haven't watched the replay. QH should have made that volley, it wasn't that tough.  He hit it with the correct amount of force, but smacked it into the net tape.  An inch higher and I think he'd have had a couple of match points.  Anyway, well done to Dan, and we get to watch again tmrw evening.

Oh I hadn't realised Dan was playing

Looks as though I was spared the stress! Well done Evo

stevemcqueen wrote:

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Bob in Spain wrote:

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For me, the big point towards the end was when Dan was serving at *5-6 15-30, and with Halys charging the net, Dan played a gorgeous dipping slice into his feet that he couldn't cope with and he dumped the low volley into the net.

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 That point also sticks in my mind, though I haven't watched the replay. QH should have made that volley, it wasn't that tough.  He hit it with the correct amount of force, but smacked it into the net tape.  An inch higher and I think he'd have had a couple of match points.  Anyway, well done to Dan, and we get to watch again tmrw evening.

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 I've watched that point again, and Bob I have to say your recollection of it is way, way better than mine!

Coup Droit wrote:

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Just for context, people may well remember that Constant Lestienne was banned for 7 months, and fined, for betting on tennis matches.

Not his own matches, it's important to say. Nothing about match fixing or anything really 'bad'.

Just little punts on other matches. In fact, I think he was 'caught' when he bet 2.90 euros to close out his account because he'd been told betting wasn't allowed so wanted to close it down. (and, yes, transfer the money? Just leave it? Betting it doesn't necessarily close it down - you might win......I think the lad is maybe not the sharpest knife in the box)

It meant that his Roland Garros wildcard in 2016, which had been announced, was rescinded at the last minute which caused a bit of a hoo-hah (why take away a wildcard when it wasn't proved at that point and was hardly mega anyway?)

He was then given one the following year, which others thought was completely wrong (why should the FFT ever support someone who bets illegally?)

So him and Dan have similar 'histories', in some ways - bad decision-making but not cheats.

However, I've never really cared for Lestienne (sure that breaks his heart ) and, although he's been at a CH, he's nowhere near as talented as Halys, who I wish well and want to see progress because he's got it in him. Do hope Dan is feeling up for it, his blisters are well taped, and he puts Lestienne where he belongs.....

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 For what it is worth (nothing) Dan has played Lestienne once before, in Sweden in 2013 in a Futures on clay - 6-3 6-3 Dan won. Clearly has no relevance but thought I would comment anyway! A similar score today would be great!