Given the full production treatment, while also following distancing guidelines, the event has grown far beyond what Murray first thought was possible when he came up with the idea in March. As a result, it has been difficult for him to fully focus on preparations for the doubles with his regular partner Neal Skupski. "I've been practising, but I have not always been that present on the practice court," Murray admits. "Your focus isn't always there because you have got so much other stuff to deal with. I'm not expecting miracles of myself because I know during the week that I will still be busy to make sure things run smoothly, making sure players are all set up with their balls and towels for the week."
To make up for the lack of atmosphere, a series of intriguing innovations will be used to enhance the viewing experience. Murray's brother, Andy, has had input, suggesting that all competitors wear Catapult GPS vests to provide a range of data, such as maximum speed and distance covered. "Matt Little [Andy's fitness trainer] will have the live data in front of him and he will be able to tell the story on TV about what he is seeing," Murray says. "We've got Hawk-Eye Live for the automated line calling, and they've also got player-tracking software. The coaches will have tablets and will be able to access statistics during the match. We will also create leaderboards in categories like fastest serves and forehands for the week.
The coaches will sit at each end in the corner of the court and put on headsets to talk to the TV commentators, maybe once a set to offer their thoughts on the match. Players will also wear headsets once at their own bench during a match and give their analysis to the commentators. There will also be the opportunity for players to talk to their coaches at the change of ends. They will walk to a socially distanced circle that is two metres away at the back of the court, with microphones picking up what is said."
*****
In another boost for the event, all indications are that Andy is also in good fitness as he prepares to play his first match since November.
Sounds as though Jamie could be looking at career in tournament management when he hangs up his racket.
Schedules & orders of play for tomorrow, Wednesday & Thursday. After being starved of live competition for so long, I'm actually getting quite excited. Only trouble is, while I'm at home, I'm also working from home, but assuming the live scores will come up on bet365, I shall at least be able to keep an eye on those.
Evo's been having his two penn'orth about NoDjo's Adria Tour event. Reference made to the Schroders event. I ddn't realise Borna Coric had tested positive for the virus as well as Dimi.
Evo's been having his two penn'orth about NoDjo's Adria Tour event. Reference made to the Schroders event. I ddn't realise Borna Coric had tested positive for the virus as well as Dimi.
Yeah we are discussing it in the general thread.
Also testing positive so far are: Viktor Troicki, his pregnant partner and one each of Coric and Dimitrov's team.
I have to say that 1 1/2 hours per match is going to be tough to stick to. With no ball kids present, there will be a much longer gap between points.
Will be interesting to see but for all the tournaments I've been involved with in France, 1.5 hours is the norm for match planning, for no ball kids, and even with a full third set. (My experience is that men's matches - overall - generally follow this, but women's always end up working out longer).
PS Sorry if this has been asked before (it almost certainly has, my fault, not paying attention) but is their livestreaming?
-- Edited by Coup Droit on Tuesday 23rd of June 2020 07:42:51 AM
So in 2014 a study looked at pro tennis and found the average set at a slam was a touch over 40 minutes. See link above.
If the matches here end in 2 sets, 90 mins is likely to be fine. A mtb might be 10-5 on average , so 2 1/2 games more, ie around another 10 to 15 mins. Doubles is usually quicker of course, and maybe the players not so fit as normal? So I suspect 90 mins is a decent working average!
-- Edited by JonH comes home on Tuesday 23rd of June 2020 07:59:54 AM
1.00pm J Murray and N Skupski vs L Broady and C Norrie 2.30pm* K Edmund vs J Ward 4.00pm* D Evans vs J Clarke 5.30pm* A Murray vs L Broady 7.00pm* J Draper and K Edmund vs J Clarke and D Inglot