After Pierrot's latest Strongest Nation update, I have just posted in that thread :
"In contrast to the general progress of the GB men, 1802 is the worst GB women top 10 total since 1870 at 01/07/24. Our #10 is Lily WR 295
They do not compare well and also currently have nothing like the general progression in the next dozen or so that our men have.
From outside our current top 10 Jodie will hopefully rise again and Hannah in time. Apart from them, maybe say such as Marni, Allcia, Ranah, Ella and Emily App can make the top 300 in the future but how much further than that I feel is very questionable. I am also struggling to see further candidates.
I accept in part the notion that success can drive success and that happening to a degree with our men. But should questions be being asked about how much our women have fallen behind and the lack of depth?"
I think maybe worthy of this separate thread for discussion?
We do have a historically strong top 4 with, as I said, Jodie hopefully to rise back up too. Then say Mimi, Mika, Hannah and ( wouldn't it be great ) Katie Swan. But beyond them??
-- Edited by indiana on Wednesday 1st of April 2026 04:58:35 PM
Jodie, Heather, Harriet and Lily are ranked lower than their ability due to injury.
Watch out in a few years time once the batch of US college students finish - Ella, Allegra, Brooke, Savannah etc
Plus the likes of Sofia Johnson who is climbing the rankings in the US.
Jodie, Heather, Harriet and Lily are ranked lower than their ability due to injury.
Watch out in a few years time once the batch of US college students finish - Ella, Allegra, Brooke, Savannah etc Plus the likes of Sofia Johnson who is climbing the rankings in the US.
I don't think that's going to reassure Indy much
Heather is 33, Lily is 30. Harriet was never consistently that much higher than she is now. And Jodie still says her shoulder pops if she unleashes a top serve.
And even if their injures all miraculously get better, you'd then have to factor in that others will get injured instead. (And, of couse, Fran and Katie Swan have dodgy CVs in the first place)
And the US college ones are no different from any other year - i.e. a couple may well come forward (having watched Sofia Johnson's match today, I wouldn't hold my breath of her getting anywhere near where Indy is talking although she plays nicely and could well be top-500/top-400)
But we'll have a couple, like we have most years. Maybe a couple of the list you mention. Ella way more than Allegra . Or maybe a surprise renaissance from someone like Eva Shaw.
But, again, it'll be a couple at most.
We've had tons of girls going that way for well over ten years and history shows that most of the players don't go on to be top-200 players. Not even of the best lot. So there's no reason to think it'll be any different. Could be better. Could be worse. But let's go with the average.
We haven't even had any nationality switches recently. Which can be a much-needed boost. And has helped up in the past.
So, yes, it seems like the LTA are very much depending on Mimi/Mika/Hannah with Marni and Ranah etc maybe fading in their eyes (as they go past the normal funding age).
And, yes, Indy, I think you're right to be a bit sceptical. Now, it's true, you only need a couple to do really well, and we quickly forgive lack of depth. But ......
-- Edited by Coup Droit on Wednesday 1st of April 2026 07:56:31 PM
Our men is also boosted by our excellent doubles players, so all round our men in singles and doubles look far far stronger. We've had both Cam and Jack in the top 10 in singles and 4 men in the top 10 in doubles.
Whereas in our women I think we have top 50 potential in both singles/doubles but not top 10 or even major tournament winners. I don't see KB winning a Masters myself but I guess you never do know.
. Or maybe a surprise renaissance from someone like Eva Shaw.
