SP saved. 7-7*

I suspect this might slip away but some of Laura's ball striking has been beautiful, and she's been fairly patient at working the spaces before pulling the trigger.

Coup Droit wrote:

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PaulM wrote:

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I suspect this might slip away but some of Laura's ball striking has been beautiful, and she's been fairly patient at working the spaces before pulling the trigger.

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 Yes, money would be now on the other girl to take control.

But, as you say, there's some very good play from Laura - far better, in my view, than when she 'came back' a couple of years ago where the level was very patchy and wild

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i dont see any tangibel diffrance

good that she looks as though she can be a 200-250 wta ranked level player again

nothing that has been wrong the last 7 years when fit has been noticeably improved changed or alterred

serve same issues both in preparation and delivery shot selection still bad with the off hand inside out to the short side over the high part of the net still somehow regular being lauras shot of choice - she couldnt make them at her peak and they got her in troubel even then - footwork and movement still lacking

shell have some moments but i dont see anything has materialy changed

best of luck to her in proving me wrong tho

Laura 7-6(4) 6-7(8) 0-6

The match lasted two and a half hours which may have been what made the difference in the final set. Holding her own against someone ranked 162 is a pretty good effort after the time out. It will be interesting to see how she develops after a few more tournaments.

Yes, such a pity. I watched most of the first two sets and Laura was certainly the equal of the other girl. Quite a few errors, but only to be expected after so long out. Practising with the Fed cup squad last week has obviously benefitted her greatly. Now if she could just sort out that ball toss....

Looks like the Greek opponent has retired. She was 6-3 4-0 down and looks like she has just walked off? Anyone else watching? She was complaining about calls (as she was last week), but you don't often see that.

The discussion about Alicia earlier in this thread got me thinking that we hadn't seen anything of Beth for a while. I thought she and Olivia might have got a doubles WC if they were fit (the Pitaks have one). Anyone heard anything?