Week 25 - ATP Challenger 125 - Ilkley Trophy - Ilkley, Great Britain (grass) - singles

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Week 25 - ATP Challenger 125 - Ilkley Trophy - Ilkley, Great Britain (grass) - singles

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Coup Droit wrote:
Jon, Mayot is quite an interesting story - he's the French 'great hope' that hasn't really materialised (yet)

He was a tip-top junior - he was #1 in juniors, he won the Aussie Open (juniors), he was touted as being France's answer to the hole that was going to come following the retirements of Gasquet/Monfils/etc (which also hasn't quite happened - the retirements, that is - the 'hole' is another matter)

And he had a strong attacking game, big flat shots, comes to the net, he's a tall man - but it hasn't quite happened - and I'm not sure why (no injury stories that I now if)

He's only 22 but all the French interest is now on Arthur Fils and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

Which is maybe a little bitter for Harold to take - or maybe it lifts the expectations and he's now free to play without being in the spotlight and wll do a lot better?

He says that grass suits him and his style of game - he won all three Wimbly quali matches last year to make the main draw

Either way, he was/is an extremely promising young player, who is still only 22, so maybe things are going to happen for him, just a couple of years later than expected.....

Thanks CD, I recall youve mentioned before he was talented - I think it could be a fascinating final, getting ready to pick my dad up now and enjoy watching it! Thanks

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

The mens final was great to see Goffin playing well and he goes back to the top 100. His backhand was a very precise shot, very impressive. Mayot had more power but went mental walk about towards the end of set one and it all slipped away from him .

Nice match but result never in doubt

9vicman · Satellite level

JonH comes home wrote:
The mens final was great to see Goffin playing well and he goes back to the top 100. His backhand was a very precise shot, very impressive. Mayot had more power but went mental walk about towards the end of set one and it all slipped away from him .

Nice match but result never in doubt

But no Wimbledon wild card to give him...

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

One thing the tournament director said today in his speech - ilkley is well ahead of both Surbiton and Birmingham in spectator numbers, well over 15000 this year and planning to grow.

Looking at the events the LTA is backing with the new 2025 calendar, it feels like the LTA is heavily invested in ilkley as one of the key grass venues going forwards: the Wimbledon of the North branding is clear and all over town. Feels like queens, Nottingham and Ilkley will be the key locations as they develop the grass going forwards.

Kennykoalabear · Lower Club Player

JonH comes home wrote:
One thing the tournament director said today in his speech - ilkley is well ahead of both Surbiton and Birmingham in spectator numbers, well over 15000 this year and planning to grow.

Looking at the events the LTA is backing with the new 2025 calendar, it feels like the LTA is heavily invested in ilkley as one of the key grass venues going forwards: the Wimbledon of the North branding is clear and all over town. Feels like queens, Nottingham and Ilkley will be the key locations as they develop the grass going forwards.

Ive been to all of the finals in Ilkley over the 6/7 years and I do feel the event keeps getting better year after year. Despite it being a challenger, the organisers really make the event seem really special. It always has a great atmosphere and Im so glad it has been so popular all week.

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Kennykoalabear wrote:
JonH comes home wrote:
One thing the tournament director said today in his speech - ilkley is well ahead of both Surbiton and Birmingham in spectator numbers, well over 15000 this year and planning to grow.

Looking at the events the LTA is backing with the new 2025 calendar, it feels like the LTA is heavily invested in ilkley as one of the key grass venues going forwards: the Wimbledon of the North branding is clear and all over town. Feels like queens, Nottingham and Ilkley will be the key locations as they develop the grass going forwards.
Ive been to all of the finals in Ilkley over the 6/7 years and I do feel the event keeps getting better year after year. Despite it being a challenger, the organisers really make the event seem really special. It always has a great atmosphere and Im so glad it has been so popular all week.

I saw your photos on the tennis talker timeline on X! Good photos! We were over in the stand opposite you - what was the medical time out that happened in the ladies final?

9vicman · Satellite level

JonH comes home wrote:
One thing the tournament director said today in his speech - ilkley is well ahead of both Surbiton and Birmingham in spectator numbers, well over 15000 this year and planning to grow.

Looking at the events the LTA is backing with the new 2025 calendar, it feels like the LTA is heavily invested in ilkley as one of the key grass venues going forwards: the Wimbledon of the North branding is clear and all over town. Feels like queens, Nottingham and Ilkley will be the key locations as they develop the grass going forwards.

Thanks Jon. Interested to hear that Ilkley is ahead of Birmingham which is/was a WTA event. Does anyone know how many spectators Birmingham got?

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

9vicman wrote:
JonH comes home wrote:
One thing the tournament director said today in his speech - ilkley is well ahead of both Surbiton and Birmingham in spectator numbers, well over 15000 this year and planning to grow.

Looking at the events the LTA is backing with the new 2025 calendar, it feels like the LTA is heavily invested in ilkley as one of the key grass venues going forwards: the Wimbledon of the North branding is clear and all over town. Feels like queens, Nottingham and Ilkley will be the key locations as they develop the grass going forwards.
Thanks Jon. Interested to hear that Ilkley is ahead of Birmingham which is/was a WTA event. Does anyone know how many spectators Birmingham got?

He didnt say, he called at Wimbledon, Queens, Nottingham and then said Ilkley was the next biggest ahead of more established events like Birmingham and Surbiton - didnt mention Eastbourne but I guess that hasnt been played this year, yet?

he talked about Ilkley growing and it feels bigger each year as Kennykoala says above. ive seen 20k spectators mentioned in past press info as well.