Week 19 - ITF (W60) - Fukuoka, Japan - Carpet

the addict · Tennis legend

Week 19 - ITF (W60) - Fukuoka, Japan - Carpet

Michael D · All-time great

R32: DUNNE, Katy (GBR) 236 lost to INGLIS, Maddison (AUS) 271 =CH 3-4 retired
R32: BROADY, Naomi (GBR) 356 beat NAMIGATA, Junni (JPN) 308 CH=105 2011 6-3 7-6(6)
R32: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 2 119 beat SAKATSUME, Himeno (JPN) Q 671 CH=659 18/3/10 17yo JCH=113 6-2 6-1

R32: BROADY, Naomi (GBR) 356 vs En Shuo LIANG (TPE) [5] 155=CH Born 2000 (JCH:2 Jan 18)
R32: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 2 119 vs Leonie KUNG (SUI) [Q] 529 (CH:413 July 18) Born 2000 (JCH:29 July 18)

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

A couple of interesting matches tomorrow.

Liang was obviously a very good junior and won the AO Jr in 2018, but she was having a tough time of it until very recently. She lost 6 matches in a row just a couple of months ago, all in straight sets, including to Katy and Gabi in Japan W25's and then had a couple of more disappointing results after that (lost to 784), but these past couple of weeks at Anning 125k and Gifu W80, she has managed to put some wins together and is coming into this with 8 wins in her last 10 matches to achieve her current CH - only 1 of those have been against a top 200 player, but then Naomi is obviously currently a long way off that level as well. Bookies have it 1/2 Liang, 6/4 Naomi.

Kung lost to Swiatek in the Wimbledon Jr final last year and hasn't really transitioned to the pro's as well as others who have had success at the Jr slam level, especially her opponent in that final. RS mentioned on the 'Wimbledon Wildcards' thread a couple of weeks ago that Wimbledon may look to give a Jr a QWC this year and if she could improve her ranking, Kung would probably be in the mix, however Swiatek may well need a MDWC after all now (borderline) which would lessen the chances of a Jr getting a QWC. Heather is 1/4, Kung 11/4.

Babfive · Satellite level

Heather won 6-2 6-4 biggrin

Naomi lost 3-6 3-6 cry

the addict · Tennis legend

Glad to see Heather won again, and not surprised at Naomi's result.

Julia Carrot · All-time great

And very well done to both for winning their doubles also, in straight sets having been a break down initially in the second set.

the addict · Tennis legend

Doubles Results

QF:- Naomi BROADY / Heather WATSON [1] 186 (126+60) def Erina HAYASHI (JPN) Yuki NAITO (JPN) 1085 (432+653) 7-6(2) 6-4 smile

QF:- Katy DUNNE / Jamie LOEB373 (135+238) LOST to Kristie AHN (USA) Alison BAI (AUS) 351 (185+166) 2-6 0-1 Retired cry

I suspect that Katy's exertions last week have left her struggling.

SF:- Naomi BROADY / Heather WATSON [1] 186 (126+60) v Kaji, Haruka (JPN) / Namigata, Junri (JPN) 647 (288+359)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

I know it's easy with hindsight but why on earth did Katy hot-tail it out to Japan?

Not only is there the risk of injury, fatigue etc. but the one thing you want to do after a big win is to get the psychological benefit - it pumps you for training, for commitment to tennis, just for feeling good abut life etc. etc. So bursting that bubble the very next day or so is awful. A real waste. And expensive too.

I know some people will say you want to capitalise on your run on form but that's fine if you make the semis or something. Even if the tournament had been in Europe there'd have been a lot to say for skipping it, schlepping to Japan just seems bizarre.

Peter too · Tennis legend

R2: BROADY, Naomi (GBR) 356 lost to LIANG, En Shuo (TPE) 5 155 3-6 3-6
R2: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 2 119 def KUNG, Leonie (SUI) Q 529 6-2 6-4

QF: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 2 119 v LIANG, En Shuo (TPE) 5 155

JonH · All-time great

JonH wrote:
I see the surface is outdoor carpet and from past years they actually play on artificial grass, which has a Sand base. Tends to bounce lower than real grass but also slower and slippier. Not sure whether it will suit naomi too much , but heather with her lower centre of gravity and volleys might like it.

I think the surface has proven its point here, I hope Heather can continue on and get another win or two, it will help her confidence a lot

RedSquirrel · Satellite level

This is much better from Heather. 3 aces in her first 2 service games, followed by breaking Liang twice and she's serving for the set *5-2.

Come on Hev

Took it on the third set point. 6-2

-- Edited by RedSquirrel on Friday 10th of May 2019 02:39:54 AM

RedSquirrel · Satellite level

Another break and winning her service game with Ace #4. 7 games in a row. 2-0*

A long third game with multiple deuces and Hev couldn't take any of the 4 BPs she had. Liang ends Heather's run of games. *2-1
Game 4, Liang gets her 1st BP of the match and takes it. 2-2*
Heather breaks again. She's had BPs in all except 1 of Liang's service games. *3-2

Another ace to close out game 6. That's the fourth of the set, seventh of the match
Game 7, 2 more BPs at 40-15* but not taken. Gets a third and takes it. *5-2
2 MPs. Come on.

Yes! Just wonderful

-- Edited by RedSquirrel on Friday 10th of May 2019 03:16:47 AM

RedSquirrel · Satellite level

QF: WATSON, Heather (GBR) 2 119 defeated LIANG, En Shuo (TPE) 5 155 6-2 6-2

Michael D · All-time great

Wow, i had half an eye on this match, and Heather seemed to close out those last 4 games in about 5 minutes!!! Good to see her back with some mojo. May she continue

flamingowings · All-time great

Great to see it's finally clicking again for Heather.