I'm not sure that the Australian Open is a great barometer, its too early in the season and Liam a)only just snuck in anyway and b) couldn't get into (the very few) tournaments in the lead up which is definitey something that needs to be looked at.  The players in the ATP cup have a big advantage in that they are almost guaranteed  3 matches.

DF wrote:

---

Also although Jay was the higher ranked player in his encounter neither of our players were expected to win so not so disappointing as JonH believes.

However questions arise re Jay's fitness as he was cramping but he has just started winning again after being in pain for a long time.

Liam's ranking is on the up too. He did well to get in. The money will be useful.


Good luck to both.

---

 Hi - not so much the outcome, I expected losses, more the manner. Liam losing in two very easy sets was disappointing to me, and Jay cramping is disappointing in the context of overall conditioning and, to be honest, I did hope/expect he might win. 

Dan ended as 30th seed as De Minaur also withdrew 

Coup Droit wrote:

---

JonH comes home wrote:

---

Dan ended as 30th seed as De Minaur also withdrew 

---

 That'll be a big disappointment to the home crowds. Anyone know why? (De minaur, I mean, not Dan as 30th seed )

---

 Injury he picked up at atp cup. Probably shouldn't have played that doubles v GB. 

Coup Droit wrote:

---

Really pleased that Trungelitti qualified.

As John Mac said, that man should have a statue.

The TIU treated him pretty baldy, but finally stepped up to the plate: "His courageous and principled stand against those who seek to corrupt is to be admired and commended".

Great to see him do well.

Also, results that caught my eye: the very talented 17 year-old Italian, Muestti, who got a wildcard, made the FQR but ended up losing by a whisker to one of the Griekspoors. Italy on a roll....
Also, nice for Australia to get one through - Max Purcell.
And North Africa, with Safwat.
France managed a couple too - Halys (much heralded, much underperforming) and Benchetrit (on the up)

---

 Good to see Safwat do well. We have to look back to Ishmael el Shafei and the 70s for the past Egyptian of note. Morocco of course had some decent players a few years back, el aynaoui,  arazi,  alami.