Storm Sanders (AUS) WR161 [3] v Eva Shaw (GBR) 16yo-JR130 [WC]
Kylie Bilchev (GBR) 18yo-JR160 v Mayo Hibi (JPN) WR178 [12]
Cristina Bucsa (ESP) WR166 [5] v Anna Brogan (GBR) ITF1381 [WC]
Ranah Akua Stoiber (GBR) 16yo-JR449 [WC] v Elena Gabriela Ruse (ROU) WR175 [9]
There were 4 Brits above Anna in the acceptance list that are not accounted for in Birmingham - Sam, Jodie, Katie S and Matilda, and some juniors immediately below her.
Those are good choices for the youngsters. I guess the two girls from the U18 semi finals might be a bit miffed that Ranah (who lost in the quarters) got the nod over them.
But it's the right decision in my view
A very strong draw it is too, good field. Sam and Emma both have qualifiers, and Jodie has a decent draw against Cabrera. Suspect Matilda will struggle against Xinyu Wang but a good test.
Kylie/Benoit, Matilda/Udvardy and Sam/Naomi make up the doubles interest (last two pairs play each other). Eden and Tara made the cut by ranking in Birmingham, but wouldn't have done here (players can enter doubles with their singles ranking in ITFs which I still find ridiculous).
-- Edited by PaulM on Monday 14th of June 2021 02:07:33 PM
No Katie S in the draw; her wildcard place looks to have been taken by Emma. I hope I am wrong...but her lack of playing time suggests continuing issues for her. The lack of tournaments is certainly not good, anyway. It will be very interesting to see how Emma and Matilda do here and a great preparation for Wimbledon if either get wildcards.
R32: (WC) Emma Raducanu WR361 (CH 333 in March 2020) vs (Q) Storm Sanders AUS WR 148 (=CH)
R32: Samantha Murray Sharan WR 224 (CH 165 in Sept 2013) vs (Q) Irina Rodionova AUS WR 168 (CH 116 in 2017) H2H 2-2 - Sam winning earlier encounters going back to 2011, with Rodionova winning the two more recent once, including last year at RG
R32: (WC) Jodie Anna Burrage WR268 (CH 233 in June 2019) vs Lizette Cabrera AUS WR 146 (CH 119 in 2020)
R32: (WC) Matilda Mutavdzic WR853 (= CH) vs Wang Xin Yu CHN WR 144 (CH 135 in 2020)