Thoroughly enjoyed watching a bit of livestreaming from this event today - watched pretty much the whole first set of the two girls SF (jumping between the two).
Congrats to the youngsters, Hep and Mimi who took the doubles title in the girls
And in the boys, Hugo Coquelin (q) is into the final (beating Phoenix Weir), as is Fabio Nestola, who beat Luca Pow in the third set TB
Caught the tail end of the match between Fabio and Luca, which turned out to be an epic - 3 tiebreaks, and only two breakpoints each (one taken) in the match. All today's matches are still available at the moment via the LTA page (Luca was on court 2)
Much as I love Hep, I am not happy to see her, again, in the U18s draw.
Or indeed anyone of her age.
I'm happy to let people play up one category (if really need be) but not two.
And good argument that if you do play up, then that's the category you choose, you can't also play your own.
I realise it's a bit arbitrary (if she has the level, why not?)
And I realise that I'm probably influenced by decades in France, where you're not allowed to ever play up in national championships. You play your age category, end of, no choice.
Bu I don't like seeing someone playing in three age groups. National championships are not about getting match practice.
A lot of the 18s line up, in particular the girls, seeing the same names in the 16s and 18s. most doing own age group and one above. Mimi Xui is also in the main draw of 18s so another playing up 2 age groups. Tough one as if they are the right level to challenge why not and its good for their development. It does however leave the younger age levels diluted.
Nice to see some of the boys again in the 18s having another chance, Luca Pow had a fantastic match vs Fabio in the 16s 6-7 7-6 6-7 in the semis so Im happy to see him having more opportunities on the grass. Phoenix weir too who lost to Hugo Coquelin in the semis .
millie bissett a late withdrawal in the 18s, maybe late call up in Roland garros? So 18 girls interesting with Kylie Bilchev seeded 1 and Eva Shaw seeded 2. Eva also playing in the 16s final today against Ranah Stoiber. Loughborough National Academy well represented with 3 of the 4 players in the 16s semis Today. Loughborough Boys won 16 dubs and Mimi (Loughborough) and Heph (Stirling) winning girls dubs.