There's a big J3 in Glasgow this week (qualis start tomorrow)
Big points on offer
GIRLS
Rather disappointingly, there are seven (!) byes in the first round of girls qualis - are there really not enough players who want to play good competitive tennis in their own country? Not even give it a whirl???
Hannah Smith and Paulina Jurkowska are the top two seed in qualis (with Brooke Black also playing)
Daniela Piani is on the list but not in the draw and may well have got a wildcard (after her BT win)
Mia Wainwright and Sirena Waas are two other names on the acceptance list but not in the draw
In the main draw list, Ella McDonald (hot off her win in Bath) is second seed but we have no other players until 9th on the list.
Abby Kelliher and Giulia Lesa will be two names I'll watch out for.
Great to see Hep O back - do hope she's actually playing.
And surprised to see Scarlet Perkins who has always been in Singapore until now.
BOYS
According to the acceptance list, Phoenix Weir is the 'star' draw here, top seed in the MD.
Viktor Frydrych is also there, and Jamie Diack, and Ben Gusic Wan (2007)
In the actual quali draw, Hugo Coquelin is top seed, followed by Kai-Luca Ampaw
Young Max Carrier is one I'll watch out for
More importantly, 32 entries - and all British
Lots of names I don't know, quite a few that sound Scottish - so well done to all the local lads who thought they'd give it a go - bravo to them
Phoenix Weir has won his opening round match and must be a big favourite for the title. I'm half expecting him to break into the top 100 by the end of the year.
Ella Mcdonald must be big favourite for the girls title.
Phoenix Weir has won his opening round match and must be a big favourite for the title. I'm half expecting him to break into the top 100 by the end of the year. Ella Mcdonald must be big favourite for the girls title.
Only half expecting ???
Be brave
As to Ella, yeah, but I don't think we can dismiss the Belgian top seed girl so easily - she's won a J3 recently. And won a couple of ITF matches. I've no idea about her but she's 17 and seems a decent player on paper.
I'll also be very interested to see where Hep is, after injury etc.
-- Edited by Coup Droit on Wednesday 19th of January 2022 02:23:35 PM
When I was around 15 or so, I used to play the annual Ilkley Open each year, played early august. It was supposed to be a grass event but the weather would cause both of the indoor courts and also several red shale/clay courts to be used. Anyway, the Dutch would send over en masse their juniors squads to play for several years, maybe 6 or more in each event and age group from 12 through 18, and in the open mens and womens as well.
They were always very strong ground strokes, like automatons. And usually won.