Week 10 - Challenger 80 (€44,620) - Biella, Italy (indoor hard)

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

RE: Week 10 - Challenger 80 (€44,620) - Biella, Italy (indoor hard)

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Interesting one given Marchenko despatched Andy in 2 sets at the same venue just a week or two back.

Shhh · Challenger level

Even if he goes no further here, this feels like a new Liam this year. Will be interesting to see how he fairs on the grass in the summer (assuming by then most events can be staged)

Madadman · Top national player

Shhh wrote:
Even if he goes no further here, this feels like a new Liam this year. Will be interesting to see how he fairs on the grass in the summer (assuming by then most events can be staged)

Will be interesting if he gets many WCs into the main tour event. Less opportunities at challenger level this year than normal only 2 events I think rather than the normal 4?

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Rather nice to see 'old-timers' like Seppi and Haase (37 years old and 33 (very nearly 34), respectively) playing challengers and doing well (both in the semis)

Spireman · Strong Club Player

Madadman wrote:
Shhh wrote:
Even if he goes no further here, this feels like a new Liam this year. Will be interesting to see how he fairs on the grass in the summer (assuming by then most events can be staged)
Will be interesting if he gets many WCs into the main tour event. Less opportunities at challenger level this year than normal only 2 events I think rather than the normal 4?

Had a look at utr values and Liam 14.52 and Marchenko 14.55, so a whisker between them. Probably means it could be close and odds are fairly close, though in favour of Marchenko. I watched Andy vs Marchenko the other week and it just looked like Andy was tired after getting to the final and Marchenko overpowered him.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Well, you don't get a much better start than that

3-0 Liam. In style.

Early days though.....

However, I agree with Shh (and as spotted by Bob at the start of the year), there seems to be a bit of a sea change in Liam and his tennis. He seems to be enjoying it. And playing more aggressively. With a bit more of a plan.

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

Would I be right in saying that once all these 2 year points fall off for various players that the likes of Liam and Stuart etc who have earned a lot of points in the last few months will see their rankings boosted further without having to play much. Im thinking of players who arent losing many points ahead of them just now, and sadly on the womens side on the flip side where Sam hasnt played yet hasnt lost much ground.

Madadman · Top national player

That first point on Marchenko serve was brilliant from Liam.

Madadman · Top national player

Jaggy1876 wrote:
Would I be right in saying that once all these 2 year points fall off for various players that the likes of Liam and Stuart etc who have earned a lot of points in the last few months will see their rankings boosted further without having to play much. Im thinking of players who arent losing many points ahead of them just now, and sadly on the womens side on the flip side where Sam hasnt played yet hasnt lost much ground.

I think Liam has challenger final points coming off in April from 2019. So that will take a bit of a dent.

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

But in the long term he will surely benefit? By the time we get to say September/October there will surely be a lot of players who will see a rankings nosedive?

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

One poor shot from Liam and a couple of far better points from see IM break back

But Liam still playing well

ADD: and then Liam breaks again smile

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Saturday 13th of March 2021 12:12:17 PM

Madadman · Top national player

I guess so.

Just remembered how much I dislike watching the streams from Biella due the floor colours.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Madadman wrote:
I guess so.

Just remembered how much I dislike watching the streams from Biella due the floor colours.

Yeah, it looks like a car park

Ian1314 · Lower Club Player

Liam has the first set 6-3