Yeah, potentially 2 tough matches and may well end up being just the one, but I guess if they are looking to cut the rankings down to 750 and you're currently not guaranteed to play every week at 25k level, with Alicia just sneaking in here (and presumably Freya not being able to), these type of chances will eventually need to be taken if she is going to remain a ranked player. Not at all saying if she loses to Uchijima she needs to pack it in, nothing like it, but just that longer term she may need to beat higher ranked players just to stand still.

The new rankings are obviously designed to help the more talented younger players progress and we've seen young Gauff climb above her in recent weeks and with the likes of Burel, Kung, Kruger (who has a IW QWC), Parry and even our own Emma (to name just a few) just behind her who all seem destined to go on to better things, when she does get the chance to play, sooner or later she will need a surprise win.

There will clearly be many in the same boat and, due to nationality, Alicia will get more chances than many similarly ranked players, especially during the grass season, but it is becoming a more dog eat dog environment where every match seems to matter more.

Ace Ventura wrote:

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Yeah, potentially 2 tough matches and may well end up being just the one, but I guess if they are looking to cut the rankings down to 750 and you're currently not guaranteed to play every week at 25k level, with Alicia just sneaking in here (and presumably Freya not being able to), these type of chances will eventually need to be taken if she is going to remain a ranked player. Not at all saying if she loses to Uchijima she needs to pack it in, nothing like it, but just that longer term she may need to beat higher ranked players just to stand still.

The new rankings are obviously designed to help the more talented younger players progress and we've seen young Gauff climb above her in recent weeks and with the likes of Burel, Kung, Kruger (who has a IW QWC), Parry and even our own Emma (to name just a few) just behind her who all seem destined to go on to better things, when she does get the chance to play, sooner or later she will need a surprise win.

There will clearly be many in the same boat and, due to nationality, Alicia will get more chances than many similarly ranked players, especially during the grass season, but it is becoming a more dog eat dog environment where every match seems to matter more.

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More competitive matches --> quality of play increases --> higher entry standards required --> more difficult for upcoming younger players to get onto the ladder.

Restricting the top ranking player pool, at a time when the sport should be trying to encourage participation, .... hard to fathom it out. 

indiana wrote:

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I actually think "the new rankings are obviously designed to..." is a difficult one.

Answers on a postcard please.

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Potential virtual postcards :

  -  ... suit the broadcasters ?

  -  ... improve the business product ?

  -  ... benefit nations with state-sponsored production lines ?

  -  ... promote the power game ?

  -  ... take the fun out it for the average professional player ?

  -  ... give the betting companies a better knowledge of the odds ?

etc, etc.

 

It was 16-5 in terms of points, however it is *15-30, so still work to be done in this set.

5-7. That'll sting not taking the set from the commanding position she was in.

Hmm, very strong start, but that's pretty much as good as it got. 5-7 1-6.

MD out now. Both Gabi and Katy have favourable first round draws, well Gabi does face a former junior #2... Here's hoping Thurs is also Gabi's 21st birthday, she could do with a good gift to herself this week. Although 3rd on the acceptance list, Gabi has dropped 29 places in the rankings this week and is unseeded (based even on last week's ranking) and she needs to start a comeback somewhere.

R32: Gabriella TAYLOR (GBR) 251 vs En Shuo LIANG (TPE) 233=CH 18yrs (JCH:2 Jan 18)
R32: Katy DUNNE (GBR) 296 vs Satoko SUENO (JPN) [WC] UNR/UNR 19yrs (JCH:250 Sept 15)