Week 16 - Challenger ($162,480+H) - Kunming Open - Anning, China (clay)

Julia Carrot · All-time great

Week 16 - Challenger ($162,480+H) - Kunming Open - Anning, China (clay)

Nix · Futures level

Will be tough match for Jay. Gunneswaran has had a very good year, going from 260 this time last year to a career high 80 now and beating Paire, Balashvili and Shapavalov along the way. Whatever happens it's been a really good run. And hopefully Jay now completely back to full health as he's my favourite male player, Andy aside.

-- Edited by Nix on Saturday 20th of April 2019 11:39:25 AM

Priesty · Challenger level

He also seems such a nice, ordinary well-grounded lad when you see him interviewed and not from an overly privileged background. If his profile becomes more well-known among less ardent followers of tennis I reckon he could be a great inspiration for kids to take up the game.

JonH · All-time great

Well done indeed, just caught this. If Jay wins the final would it be his biggest win tournament wise? I know he won binghampton in July but think that was a lower points status ?

-- Edited by JonH on Saturday 20th of April 2019 10:05:52 AM

JonH · All-time great

Are these Chinese clay events on red or green clay? Green tends to play slightly quicker and slippier from my long ago experience, I hope red.

flamingowings · All-time great

JonH wrote:
Are these Chinese clay events on red or green clay? Green tends to play slightly quicker and slippier from my long ago experience, I hope red.

This was played on red.

Nix · Futures level

JonH wrote:
Well done indeed, just caught this. If Jay wins the final would it be his biggest win tournament wise? I know he won binghampton in July but think that was a lower points status ?

-- Edited by JonH on Saturday 20th of April 2019 10:05:52 AM

Yes 125 points rather than 80 points. He gets 75 points just for reaching the final, although he drops 22 points this week.

-- Edited by Nix on Saturday 20th of April 2019 11:45:04 AM

-- Edited by Nix on Saturday 20th of April 2019 11:55:27 AM

indiana · Tennis legend

Jay eases through his opening service game. Just the 18 points, 3 DFs, 2 BPs saved.

1-0*

Babfive · Satellite level

Jay breaks to take the first set 6-4

korriban · Challenger level

Just been watching for a few minutes From 4-3. Jay broke by just keeping the ball in play and waiting for errors. Then lost his serve serve by doing exactly the same thing. Then took the first set with another wait for the error game. Would be great to see him win, and perhaps he has various approaches in his locker, but not sure this approach ultimately works at a top 100 level.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

korriban wrote:
Just been watching for a few minutes From 4-3. Jay broke by just keeping the ball in play and waiting for errors. Then lost his serve serve by doing exactly the same thing. Then took the first set with another wait for the error game. Would be great to see him win, and perhaps he has various approaches in his locker, but not sure this approach ultimately works at a top 100 level.

I get the feeling the approach is very much a case of adapting to the difficult windy conditions. It has been that way for most of the week. Looks a bit calmer today though.

PS. It's been a while since I've seen you on the board. Maybe you have just been frequenting the sections I don't use, but good to see you around.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Sunday 21st of April 2019 07:02:39 AM

stevemcqueen · Futures qualifying

I tend to agree with you Korriban. But it is still windy and I think there are more bad bounces than the average clay court. I haven't looked at the stats (are there any?) but Jay has hit very, very few winners. If it is an exercise in winning ugly, this is a really important skill. Right, 2nd set!

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Huge hold from Jay in the third game of set two with multiple deuces and several BPs saved. All after swapping breaks in the opening two games of the set.

Nix · Futures level

The level in this match is lower than in Jay's other matches. His first serve percentage seems way down. But I agree he could sometimes take it to his opponents a bit more. I'm convinced he's got the game to do that. But he's only twenty so plenty of time to develop. I'd also like to see him work on his second serve a bit.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Some pretty wild forehands from Gunneswaran sees Jay break for *4-2