It was close, and she had her chances, but the level wasn't there when she needed it. Second serve in particular was so shaky. But she did fight like crazy the entire time which is a big step up from recent Tour matches where she has looked very flat.
Hopefully something better comes from the grass. She needs some wins to be sure of making the Olympics if they go ahead
What's the latest Paul? Is there an easy chart anywhere? The last update I saw was on TF about 3 weeks when Golubic was just about to pass her, and her entry looked very much touch and go.
Not an easy chart I am aware of, just looking at live rankings at the players above her who are not eligible. She probably could do with being another 10 spots higher to be honest.
Not sure what odds you'd get on the Olympics going ahead, but it seems impossible. The Japanese public are strongly against it happening and I'd be truly amazed if it happens. Japan has the lowest vaccination rate of any developed country (against Covid) - the Japanese public did not want anyone other than qualifying doctors doing the jabs, and both this and the failure to get vaccine supplies quickly has led to them being way behind most countries in terms of vaccination - they have the lowest vaccination rate of any 1st World country, which is staggering when you see their GDP and the fact that of the major nations, they are the second richest country in the world.
Quite simply the Olympics almost certainly will not happen - even the main sponsors want it cancelled. Heather just needs to concentrate on grass for now and this performance should have given her some encouragement, though also a few worries about her stamina and current fitness I think. She battled hard though and can be proud of that.
-- Edited by Andy Parker on Monday 31st of May 2021 02:02:01 PM
Not sure what odds you'd get on the Olympics going ahead, but it seems impossible. The Japanese public are strongly against it happening and I'd be truly amazed if it happens. Japan has the lowest vaccination rate of any developed country (against Covid) - the Japanese public did not want anyone other than qualifying doctors doing the jabs, and both this and the failure to get vaccine supplies quickly has led to them being way behind most countries in terms of vaccination.
Quite simply the Olympics almost certainly will not happen - even the main sponsors want it cancelled. Heather just needs to concentrate on grass for now and this performance should have given her some encouragement, though also a few worries about her stamina and current fitness I think. She battled hard though and can be proud of that.
Agreed most of the Japanese public dont want it but its about face now- needs the IOC to cancel not sure the Japanese authorities will.
the ioc should have looked at each sport organising its own Olympic medal event independently in different countries - would ha ve been doable and at least up held the cycle. Too late now.
Back to Johanna, nobody has said that Cirstea has just been a losing finalist in Strasbourg, last match Saturday then she had to travel, so could be tired. She's also has a reputation for having a varied style and being unpredictable.
Back to Jo Ko indeed - can't wait to see how it pans out. Hopefully Cristea is tired and peaked at Strasbourg - reaching a final just before a Grand Slam can mean a player is drained - Mirambee makes a good point.