British Tennis Forum

Sheddie wrote:

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So I just got back from a fun day at Queen's. Will share some thoughts on the day's matches in a bit.

I've been to the men's event in the past and in some ways today was more enjoyable as a fan - much shorter queue to get in, shorter queues for everything, and just generally less congested to get around, which makes a difference as it's a small intimate venue - Eastbourne feels way bigger for example.

On the flip side, it'll be interesting to see how the event fares in terms of its commercial viability. There were vast swathes of empty seats in some sections of Centre Court, I'd estimate that at least 30% of the tickets must have gone unsold.

The audience felt a little different as well - more diehard, knowledgeable tennis fans who really knew the game and had heard of all the players, while the men's week is far more chock-a-block with city bankers & their WAGS.

Yet at the same time, the crowd was markedly less vocal which made for a much more subdued atmosphere. It might be a little different with Emma and Katie tomorrow - and Sonay isn't as well known and also got thoroughly outplayed today. But people didn't get as into it.

There were also a lot of people with more than half an eye on the Boultercanu doubles score during the first match. Definitely quite strange that match wasn't put on Centre - might have helped create a bit more of a buzz.

Another thing - there were only 3 matches on Centre. During the men's week, I swear there's always 4 singles on Centre each day. One of the current nice things about the women's event is tickets are more readily available and much cheaper. I'm sure they will want to put prices up in future years, but they might have to add a bit more to the schedule - if today's first match (Navarro vs Haddad-Maia) hadn't gone three hours, we could have been all done and dusted by 5.30.

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 I was at Queens today as well and agree with you Sheddie about it being more enjoyable than the mens. I went last year after many years and more or less said I wouldnt go again as I found it all really uncomfortable (not the tennis which was great!). It was all so busy and people queuing to get into the hospitality areas blocking everyone else from being able to move around very easily.

My seat this time was in the North Stand and i found it much better to get in and out to get a drink and use the facilities etc so if/when i go again, that might be a better choice.

A good day was had and your analysis of the three matches was spot on and I can add no more!

brittak wrote:

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Sheddie wrote:

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So I just got back from a fun day at Queen's. Will share some thoughts on the day's matches in a bit.

I've been to the men's event in the past and in some ways today was more enjoyable as a fan - much shorter queue to get in, shorter queues for everything, and just generally less congested to get around, which makes a difference as it's a small intimate venue - Eastbourne feels way bigger for example.

On the flip side, it'll be interesting to see how the event fares in terms of its commercial viability. There were vast swathes of empty seats in some sections of Centre Court, I'd estimate that at least 30% of the tickets must have gone unsold.

The audience felt a little different as well - more diehard, knowledgeable tennis fans who really knew the game and had heard of all the players, while the men's week is far more chock-a-block with city bankers & their WAGS.

Yet at the same time, the crowd was markedly less vocal which made for a much more subdued atmosphere. It might be a little different with Emma and Katie tomorrow - and Sonay isn't as well known and also got thoroughly outplayed today. But people didn't get as into it.

There were also a lot of people with more than half an eye on the Boultercanu doubles score during the first match. Definitely quite strange that match wasn't put on Centre - might have helped create a bit more of a buzz.

Another thing - there were only 3 matches on Centre. During the men's week, I swear there's always 4 singles on Centre each day. One of the current nice things about the women's event is tickets are more readily available and much cheaper. I'm sure they will want to put prices up in future years, but they might have to add a bit more to the schedule - if today's first match (Navarro vs Haddad-Maia) hadn't gone three hours, we could have been all done and dusted by 5.30.

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 I was at Queens today as well and agree with you Sheddie about it being more enjoyable than the mens. I went last year after many years and more or less said I wouldnt go again as I found it all really uncomfortable (not the tennis which was great!). It was all so busy and people queuing to get into the hospitality areas blocking everyone else from being able to move around very easily.

My seat this time was in the North Stand and i found it much better to get in and out to get a drink and use the facilities etc so if/when i go again, that might be a better choice.

A good day was had and your analysis of the three matches was spot on and I can add no more!

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Not sure I can add much. I was there on Tuesday, high up in the North Stand. Fabulous view! I've been to the Men's on many occasions; the huge prices for the main court got prohibitive - so enjoyed having a ground pass.

The prices for the ladies' tournament were much more reasonable, so I splashed out!! I will definitely be going back! 

Edit: Also, I remember the noise that used to come from the main court during the Men's matches - the music was really loud, even if you were sitting on Court 1. I really didn't enjoy it. But the music they played on Tuesday was far less obtrusive. I don't know if it was because it's a ladies' tournament, but long may it continue!

-- Edited by Jan on Thursday 12th of June 2025 11:44:29 AM

JonH comes home wrote:

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Does that loss for Katie confirm Emma moving up into GB top spot next week?

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 Emma was already ahead on live rankings before the match

the addict wrote:

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JonH comes home wrote:

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Does that loss for Katie confirm Emma moving up into GB top spot next week?

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 Emma was already ahead on live rankings before the match

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 But she would not have been if Katie had won so to answer the question yes it does confirm Emma as number 1