Week 26 - Wimbledon Women's Qualifying Singles, Roehampton, Great Britain - Grass

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Week 26 - Wimbledon Women's Qualifying Singles, Roehampton, Great Britain - Grass

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Danilovic is a bit of a strange one. Not far outside the top 100, still just 18, but when she won WTA Moscow (the smaller one, not the Kremlin Cup) last July at 17, some were expecting her to be near to where Andreescu and Anisimova are now, but it's not really happened. She also won an ITF in the same month, so about 75% of her total points are in July, so had entry for this been based on performance in the past 11 months, she'd probably have not even gotten into quals (never mind a seed) as she'd be outside the top 250. Her dad is a famous sports star so has plenty of money and there were rumours that Sascha Bajin was going to be coaching her after splitting with Osaka, before going to Mladenovic.

She should still have far too much for Eden, who has lost all 6 sets on grass thus far, but it's maybe not as wide as the rankings would suggest at the current moment. But just as I was writing all that out, she has got the first break in the match. 4-5*

Eden 4-6

-- Edited by Ace Ventura on Tuesday 25th of June 2019 12:50:30 PM

Michael D · All-time great

Now Sam has a chance to serve for a set. I have more faith in her than Naomi...

DF · Tennis legend

Eden a set down 4-6

DF · Tennis legend

and Sam takes the first set 6-4

scottie1 · Futures level

Sam won first set 6-4 Eden 4-6 1-0

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Completely forgot Sam was still playing when writing the above. 3 SPs.

Lisicki was serving for the first set against Ilkley finalist Babos, but has just been broken for 5-2. Nice to see her (at the moment) making use of her QWC. As the wildcards turned out and seeing the likes of Zhu getting in directly, I'd have far rather they gave her a MDWC, just for old times sake, far better (IMO) than the uninspired and boring situation that transpired. Still annoyed with the WC situation now. Only 3 used!

Well done Sam. First set in the bag.

Michael D · All-time great

Michael D wrote:
Now Sam has a chance to serve for a set. I have more faith in her than Naomi...

And glad to see not misplaced, not come on Sam, an early break second set and keep it going now...

Andy Parker · Club Coach

Great start from Sam - I didn't want to put the hex on anyone, but I felt looking at the draws that Sam, Fran and Naiktha are the most likely to come through today. Every single match though looks close to call/ Sam is such a gritty fighter and it would be lovely to see her win.

Michael D · All-time great

Gabi is now on court too. As Ace has reminded, Pacquet did very well on clay, will be happy if her game and mindset are still there.

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Michael D wrote:
Gabi is now on court too. As Ace has reminded, Pacquet did very well on clay, will be happy if her game and mindset are still there.

It's a bit strange. Paquet is currently ranked about 160 places higher (than Gabi), largely thanks to that clay season where she knocked about 90 places off her usual ranking of mid 200s, and obviously Gabi has unfortunately being going the other way for over a year. Paquet didn't play on grass at all last year and on 25th June she was ranked 303 whereas Gabi was 182 when she lost to Brady at Southsea this time last year, so their respective rankings have pretty much flipped 180 these past 12 months, but I personally don't think there is the current ranking deficit between, and Gabi is actually the 8/13 favourite, so hopefully she can pull of the ranking 'upset'

-- Edited by Ace Ventura on Tuesday 25th of June 2019 01:13:52 PM

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Sam now *3-4 in the second set. Looking at Eden battling away, but still a break down in the 2nd, wouldn't it be awful if we ended up with 8 'plucky' defeats where everyone competed well, but just couldn't win the big games at the most important times. Mind, the way these past 3 weeks have generally gone, it wouldn't be the biggest surprise.

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Eden back on serve in the second, *4-4. Sam had break point, but couldn't convert to serve for the match and Gabi had a GP, but also couldn't convert. She has fended off BPs in that same game, so could be a crucial one as far as that set is concerned.

Ace Ventura · Tennis legend

Gabi with the first break *4-3
Sam into a TB
Eden has GP at *5-5

Jajon · Club Coach

Sam loses tie break. Hit two double faults. Eeek