SF: BOULTER, Katie (GBR) (8) 136 (CH=82 2019) v BAPTISTE, Hailey (USA) 166 (CH=119 2022) They met in Indian Wells in 2020 with Katie winning 5 & 3 SF: BURRAGE, Jodie (GBR) (6) 131 (CH=126 2022) v TSURENKO, Lesia (UKR) 137 (CH=23 2019) The met at Wimbledon in 2022 with Lesia winning 2 & 3
Tsurenko is the player who qualified for both Australian and French Opens in 2022 and then drew Barty in the first round of the former and Swiatek in the 1st round of the latter.
Not sure what Heather worked on over the break tbh - looks much the same in terms of game, gameplan, and confidence. Sadly, I think we can safely say that Heather's best tennis is behind her (in singles at least).
Yes I was heart over head in the predictor competition for Heather. I cant see her getting back into the top 100 so Id have to agree there. The type of game she plays and her conditioning suggests that might be he case.
Was interesting seeing this year's predictions. Particularly GB #3 to #5 had quite a range and we ended up ( well, before the late entries ) averaging #3 Jodie WR 104, #4 Katie B WR 106 abd #5 Katie S WR 107. Our other top 6 averages were #1 Emma WR 36, #2 Harriet WR 90 and a bit back, #6 Heather WR 153
And this week's live rankings have reflected the 3 having pretty good weeks here and at the United Cup, and upping their ranking points.
Live 130. Jodie 474 - 18 + 29 (so far) = 485 (so far) Live 132. Katie S 435 + 40 = 475 Live 134. Katie B 457 - 13 + 29 (so far) = 473 (so far)
Be great if we can see continued progress towards the top 100.
Like CD, I went most out on a limb this year for Katie Swan, us both having her as our predicted GB #2, my WR 84 and CD's WR 80. She certainly ended last year, and has now started this year, very much showing her at least top 100 potential.
Great news to wake up to. Katie has won a couple of W60's but Jodie hasn't yet. It would be good for Jodie's confidence to win this one but I've had a feeling all week that Katie is back on form and will take this.
OER showing the points and another (small) rise in the rankings with Jodie at WR127