So we all agree that, sorry the Appletons, no moaning
Sorry but I, for one, do not agree. Just because conditions can be bad elsewhere does not mean that it's ok to be shambolic. A venue should not be allowed to hold a winter tournament if there is no heating. Similarly the lack of even one warm up court at 60k level is appalling. If necessary the qualis draw size should be limited to 24 so that two courts can be reserved for warm ups or only a mens or a womens event should be held. I wonder what time the leaking roof was discovered? Surely it should have been seen by 9 am when there would be enough time to mop up. So yes-players and parents and spectators should moan and do so loud and long!
Sorry, we don't all agree
However, I don't see anything that's shmabolic. I think it would be completely environmentally irresponsible to try and heat cavernous courts, with high roofs, with all the heat going up.
These venues are not summer-only venues, they get used in winter. Of course, they're cold. I've played, umpired and supervised events in them and you need to be prepared for it. Otherwise, all those facilities would be shut for five months of the year. It's just not eco to try and heat them.
Is there a gym of some sort ? Warm-up is normally done in gyms when there's no warm-up court and players given ten minutes warm up or so (i.e. longer than normal) to hit a few more balls. Plenty of coaches think that's just as good. Some even prefer it. (,And every player should have a skipping rope in their bag, in case there's no gym)
As to the roof, well, it depends when it started raining. Yes, I would expect people to be mopping at 9 am if there were puddles then. But if it started raining more heavily at 10 then you can only mop then.
THere's no getting round it. Players want more events, to give them points, money, chances to climb the slippery pole. But this level of tennis is very low money.
-- Edited by Coup Droit on Sunday 22nd of January 2023 10:58:21 PM
From what I saw, the line judge was just dabbing a tiny spot every 5 games or so; no big deal. And yes, you can't expect to heat these huge halls in the current climate. I guess the question is, was it a good idea, knowing the court restrictions, to play men's and women's as the same venue. For instance, it would have probably been better for the men to stay in Sheffield a second week.
Argh Dani. Led *6-3 in the tiebreak. First set point got caught out with good defence from the Spaniard getting a loopy one caught at her feet and not being able to control it. Second one she was totally on top, did everything right, and netted the short ball.
Stayed positive to save a set point at *6-7, good attacking play to get a third opportunity. Oooh that's a BIG double from the Spaniard. Ouch.
Really strong performance in the second set. Didn't blink when she missed a ton of chances for a double break. Well saved break point in the final game.
Totally deserved that. Well done!
-- Edited by PaulM on Monday 23rd of January 2023 02:47:58 PM
And congrats to Dani - she's been playing increasingly well in the past few months - she was a good outside bet here - I'd like to see her really get her act together - at least to get well inside the top-1000, which is where she should be
And even better to see Dani following up on yesterday's win with another really good performance
Clearly the better player, despite certain wobbles in the first
For now no particular rankings rise for Dsnielle since her 1 point from Loughborough plus 5 points so far here are matched by 6 points dropping off in respect of Bath last year.
Reading some of these comments about the conditions I really do not know how the players put up with it. Ok this may be the other end of tennis away from the packed stadiums and fancy tour events and slams, but, these players are fighting to improve their game and climb the rankings. Does anyone know what the drop out rate is with tennis because there must be many players who sadly have to gibe up because of lack of money. It's about time that less money was put in right at the top of the game. Does a slam winner really need nearly 3 million and more money given at the lower levels to help players just get from A to B. As for the facilities there is no excuse these days for leaky roofs, cold conditions, no spare practice courts etc. If adequate facilities that are safe and proper for all cannot ne met then the event in question should not be allowed to go ahead. Simple as.....
Reading some of these comments about the conditions I really do not know how the players put up with it. Ok this may be the other end of tennis away from the packed stadiums and fancy tour events and slams, but, these players are fighting to improve their game and climb the rankings. Does anyone know what the drop out rate is with tennis because there must be many players who sadly have to gibe up because of lack of money. It's about time that less money was put in right at the top of the game. Does a slam winner really need nearly 3 million and more money given at the lower levels to help players just get from A to B. As for the facilities there is no excuse these days for leaky roofs, cold conditions, no spare practice courts etc. If adequate facilities that are safe and proper for all cannot ne met then the event in question should not be allowed to go ahead. Simple as.....