Shrewsbury is the only place where they get good crowds and that's because it's a member's club and the members promote it through the club and community.

Just an aside, but do non of our younger female players own a slice? Jodie, Emma and Freya don't. Those who have it are very effective - Maia, Tara, Laura

paulisi wrote:

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Shrewsbury is the only place where they get good crowds and that's because it's a member's club and the members promote it through the club and community.

Just an aside, but do non of our younger female players own a slice? Jodie, Emma and Freya don't. Those who have it are very effective - Maia, Tara, Laura

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Generally, the slice is a pretty rare bird with young female players. I know some French coaches who just give up trying to teach it. And there are many women at the higher levels who never really get one. 

My feeling is if you have a lot of power - Sharapova, Jodie - and the slice doesn't come naturally, then leave it. 

But the women who have very natural ball skills (like Maia and Tara) enjoy it and can do some damage.

Would still rather an excellent top spin backhand though.   

Probably indeed a bit tired yes. And Diatchenko is WR 96 !

That was a really fine effort and unexpectedly close in Chiswick last year when even then Diatchenko was WR 106. Maybe at least Jodie was giving a possible pointer as to some of what was to come this year. I didn't see either match but there are always two players with potentially variable form and I suspect that Diatchenko was more on her game today. 

So whatever form Jodie was in and however fresh she was, yes the favourite was very clear.  

Great week, Jodie.