Week 40 - WTA500 - Ostrava, Czech Republic Hard

PaulM · Tennis legend

Week 40 - WTA500 - Ostrava, Czech Republic Hard

PaulM · Tennis legend

Emma has two break points but Kasatkina serves well to save them. Takes the third with a super forehand to level up at *5-5.

This court really isn't very quick. Emma is playing aggressive tennis though, just a few too many errors leaking mainly odd the forehand.

PaulM · Tennis legend

2 very sloppy games from Emma sadly.

5-7 *0-0

PaulM · Tennis legend

One break enough in the second. Didn't play badly, didn't play great. Court conditions suited the Russian slightly more I think, but nice to see Emma attacking mostly.

Loses 7-5 6-4

Peter too · Tennis legend

R1: RADUCANU, Emma (GBR) 66 lost to KASATKINA, Daria ( ) 11 2022 5-7 4-6

Shhh · Challenger level

It was nice to see Emma attacking but a high error count. The body language bothered me too, very forlorn at times cry

wales1994 · Club Coach

Still more reassured with this game plan than the one she has used for the majority of 2022 though. Seeing her getting some big serves, hitting big groundies and attacking the serve - better than the loopy midcourt balls she's been hitting all year.

Agreed about the body language Shhh. She did seem quite flat

kundalini · Specialist Reporter + Intermediate Club Player

I think if Emma adopted that approach on a consistent basis, she would eventually become a very good player; which is a bit weird given that she's already won a slam.

The error count was far too high today but with practice, hopefully she could land more of the aggressive shots she attempted.

Her drive volleys and smashes need a lot of work. 2nd serve return started well then got worse and worse.

PaulM · Tennis legend

I think the errors started flowing partly because she couldn't get a clean winner with shots that you'd normally expect not to come back. Combination of the slow court and Kasatkina being a good scamper. She started rushing and overpressing at points and it lacked control and discipline in those moments.

jb288 · Satellite level

Notice that Alicia is entered for Rouen 125k with Harriet. Presumably Liv just has a prior engagement, but will be interesting to see in any case.

the addict · Tennis legend

jb288 wrote:
Notice that Alicia is entered for Rouen 125k with Harriet. Presumably Liv just has a prior engagement, but will be interesting to see in any case.

They are entered for Cluj next week, as is Harriet, with Emily W-S on the alt list. I see that Emily W-S/Emily App and Freya/Ali are on the alts list for Rouen too. Mind you, Emily W-S may stay in Solozopol for the next two weeks, and Lissey might play in Glasgow................

dodrade · Satellite level

the addict wrote:
jb288 wrote:
Notice that Alicia is entered for Rouen 125k with Harriet. Presumably Liv just has a prior engagement, but will be interesting to see in any case.
They are entered for Cluj next week, as is Harriet, with Emily W-S on the alt list. I see that Emily W-S/Emily App and Freya/Ali are on the alts list for Rouen too. Mind you, Emily W-S may stay in Solozopol for the next two weeks, and Lissey might play in Glasgow................

I'd be surprised, Annie K was asked about Lissey and Liv's BJK Cup chances during the US Open by her co-commentator but said they were still a "work in progress".

indiana · Tennis legend

Actually who do folk that watch them more than I do think is the better of Lissey and Liv. Lissey is very slightly better ranked really just down to a couple of decent weeks with other partners but basically they have risen as a pair..

My impression has been that Liv might actually have a bit more to offer but I'm not sure?

Maybe one will indeed come into the BJK Cup team at some stage as Anna Smith and Joss Rae separately did in the past.

wolf · Tennis legend

Anna & Joss played together as a pair for a few years under Judy Murray. Anne has showed little interest in doubles specialists, preferring to use Katie Swan in the last match.

Olivia is better at the net but Alicia has more power on her serve and groundstrokes. If you want to pick just one I would suggest Alicia who plays deuce side as Heather and Harriet both prefer the ad court.

PS I think TA meant the Glasgow 60K in a couple of weeks.

the addict · Tennis legend

Yes, I did mean the 60k - Lissey is in the list for qualifying.

As to who is the better player. There was a distinct difference until a few weeks ago with Lissey being much better at the back of the court and Liv very dominant at the net, but I feel that the differences are much less now. Liv is serving and returning well, and Lissey's volleying is much improved. They are a good combination and improving with every match.