British Tennis Forum - Celebrating 20 Years!

JonH · Tennis legend

Boys & Girls: J300 Repentigny, Canada, hard (Week 35)

DavidC · Tennis legend

Rhys won more games and, despite the loss, will reenter the top 50 at a career high

F

Marcel Latak (USA) d. (15) Rhys Lawlor 0-6 6-4 7-5

indiana · Tennis legend

Re Dani, can I ask much more seasoned junior watchers ( more particularly, Dani watchers ) has Dani really surprised them with the year she has been having?.

I am sure that I have read relative doubts in the past but her junior results and rankings advance have looked pretty impressive, even before this highlight week. And her 4 outings in seniors have been - a hard court 3 set loss to WR 472, on grass a 3-6 2-6 loss to WR 70 and then a Wimbledon Q 3 set loss to WR 182, and again on hard a 3 set loss to WR 231. Again, I am sure I read comment fearing that an initial earned senior WC award had maybe feeding her to the dogs.

What does she appear to have developed well, what does she look to need to concentrate on, and ( perhaps always dangerous with a still 15 yo ) how do folk see her progressing in the future?

Rose · Intermediate Club Player

indiana wrote:
Re Dani, can I ask much more seasoned junior watchers ( more particularly, Dani watchers ) has Dani really surprised them with the year she has been having?.

I am sure that I have read relative doubts in the past but her junior results and rankings advance have looked pretty impressive, even before this highlight week. And her 4 outings in seniors have been - a hard court 3 set loss to WR 472, on grass a 3-6 2-6 loss to WR 70 and then a Wimbledon Q 3 set loss to WR 182, and again on hard a 3 set loss to WR 231. Again, I am sure I read comment fearing that an initial earned senior WC award had maybe feeding her to the dogs.

What does she appear to have developed well, what does she look to need to concentrate on, and ( perhaps always dangerous with a still 15 yo ) how do folk see her progressing in the future?

I have had doubts and still do to some extent but I have been really surprised (and pleased for her though) as to how well she has done this year. Since 11U she has had an understanding of the game that just cant be taught. She can adapt and change her game as needed and has a lot of talent. Ive found her game a bit boring though, I dont think shes agressive enough, and dont know if she has the ability to fulfil the potential expected, both she and her parents are expecting her to be a top 100 player and their whole plan is pushing her into more and more WTA tournaments as soon as possible. I have heard (although its 3rd hand so might not be reliable) that the conflict between herself/family and the national academy over the tournaments she should be playing over the next couple of years was one of the reasons they parted company. I think she is good (no question) and has had fantastic results this year (not debatable) but I still cant help feeling she has nearly reached her limit.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Rose wrote:
indiana wrote:
Re Dani, can I ask much more seasoned junior watchers ( more particularly, Dani watchers ) has Dani really surprised them with the year she has been having?.

I am sure that I have read relative doubts in the past but her junior results and rankings advance have looked pretty impressive, even before this highlight week. And her 4 outings in seniors have been - a hard court 3 set loss to WR 472, on grass a 3-6 2-6 loss to WR 70 and then a Wimbledon Q 3 set loss to WR 182, and again on hard a 3 set loss to WR 231. Again, I am sure I read comment fearing that an initial earned senior WC award had maybe feeding her to the dogs.

What does she appear to have developed well, what does she look to need to concentrate on, and ( perhaps always dangerous with a still 15 yo ) how do folk see her progressing in the future?
I have had doubts and still do to some extent but I have been really surprised (and pleased for her though) as to how well she has done this year. Since 11U she has had an understanding of the game that just cant be taught. She can adapt and change her game as needed and has a lot of talent. Ive found her game a bit boring though, I dont think shes agressive enough, and dont know if she has the ability to fulfil the potential expected, both she and her parents are expecting her to be a top 100 player and their whole plan is pushing her into more and more WTA tournaments as soon as possible. I have heard (although its 3rd hand so might not be reliable) that the conflict between herself/family and the national academy over the tournaments she should be playing over the next couple of years was one of the reasons they parted company. I think she is good (no question) and has had fantastic results this year (not debatable) but I still cant help feeling she has nearly reached her limit.

Interesting as always smile

Do you know, Rose, what her training plans are for this coming year? Where is she based now? Or with whom?

Rose · Intermediate Club Player

Coup Droit wrote:
Rose wrote:
indiana wrote:
Re Dani, can I ask much more seasoned junior watchers ( more particularly, Dani watchers ) has Dani really surprised them with the year she has been having?.

I am sure that I have read relative doubts in the past but her junior results and rankings advance have looked pretty impressive, even before this highlight week. And her 4 outings in seniors have been - a hard court 3 set loss to WR 472, on grass a 3-6 2-6 loss to WR 70 and then a Wimbledon Q 3 set loss to WR 182, and again on hard a 3 set loss to WR 231. Again, I am sure I read comment fearing that an initial earned senior WC award had maybe feeding her to the dogs.

What does she appear to have developed well, what does she look to need to concentrate on, and ( perhaps always dangerous with a still 15 yo ) how do folk see her progressing in the future?
I have had doubts and still do to some extent but I have been really surprised (and pleased for her though) as to how well she has done this year. Since 11U she has had an understanding of the game that just cant be taught. She can adapt and change her game as needed and has a lot of talent. Ive found her game a bit boring though, I dont think shes agressive enough, and dont know if she has the ability to fulfil the potential expected, both she and her parents are expecting her to be a top 100 player and their whole plan is pushing her into more and more WTA tournaments as soon as possible. I have heard (although its 3rd hand so might not be reliable) that the conflict between herself/family and the national academy over the tournaments she should be playing over the next couple of years was one of the reasons they parted company. I think she is good (no question) and has had fantastic results this year (not debatable) but I still cant help feeling she has nearly reached her limit.
Interesting as always
Do you know, Rose, what her training plans are for this coming year? Where is she based now? Or with whom?

Again, this is 3rd hand.

Daniella father believes she should be on the pro programme now as she is the top UK junior and is still only 15 and has started to prove herself at WTA level. They want her to focus on adult events and have the same opportunities that Hannah had at that age. That, to my knowledge, is not happening. Whether it will later on I dont know. in the meantime her father is travelling with her and supporting her, West Hants club are supporting a bit and they are actively looking for a new coach. However, funding is a consideration as although they are reasonably well off they do not have a bottomless pit (like the KDs for example)

-- Edited by Rose on Saturday 5th of September 2026 03:50:00 PM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Interesting

I can see how Loughborough, with Grace and Milica etc, might well not be suitable any longer

But she's not quite the profile, or style, of player to get a scholarship offer from one of the European academies (as Hannah did, and turned down)

The NTC sort of worked for Hannah (stress 'sort of') because she could live at home

But Dani's folks aren't from Wimbledon

Frankly, I would think there's a decent chance she'd make the pro programme next year, if she has a decentish year coming

But maybe the rupture is too great

Do you know what Meg has decided to do, Rose?

indiana · Tennis legend

Thanks very much, folk.

Wirh no real knowledge of the pro programme, Dani's advances seem such that I would have certainly imagined that all being equal she should be moving onto the pro prpgramme by next year. I sincerely hope that her development is not stalled by disagreements over such as tournament strategy, and if necessary that there can be flexibility on both 'sides'. Dani seems too good at 15 yo and GB not blessed enough to allow that to happen. I do have some concerns about who the biggest voices may be in the LTA on the women's / developing girls side.

No doubt a big US Open would help her profile, all the best to her.

Rose · Intermediate Club Player

Coup Droit wrote:
Interesting

I can see how Loughborough, with Grace and Milica etc, might well not be suitable any longer

But she's not quite the profile, or style, of player to get a scholarship offer from one of the European academies (as Hannah did, and turned down)

The NTC sort of worked for Hannah (stress 'sort of') because she could live at home

But Dani's folks aren't from Wimbledon

Frankly, I would think there's a decent chance she'd make the pro programme next year, if she has a decentish year coming

But maybe the rupture is too great

Do you know what Meg has decided to do, Rose?

Again, 3rd hand

Rumour is Meg has reached a cross roads. Isnt developing and isnt enjoying tennis. Has had various injuries as well and has struggled to see other players (mainly Daniella) completely overtake her. Taking a bit of time to get enjoyment and confidence back and also looking at possibilities of training back over here on the pro programme. Potentially looking to come back out in WTA events as opposed to playing much more juniors. Sounds feasible and from a reliable source but I cant say 100% if thats the whole story

Also, to add to info I heard about Dani. She sees Edie being able to get a WTA ranking and play what she likes whereas Hollie is still mostly in juniors. Dani wants the freedom Edie has. There was also allegedly some contention over the prize money for Wimbledon qualifying as Dani was part of the national academy at the time.

-- Edited by Rose on Sunday 6th of September 2026 10:10:47 PM

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Would be a little weird (and controversial) to put Meg on the pro programme back here if they've refused Dani

But, yes, poor girl, it's no wonder that she's not been enjoying it - her injuries must have taken it out of her a bit and the results are obviously disappointing.

Again, it was always the wrong choice of academy, in my book.

She's a bit young to ditch juniors too - although there's no strict reason not to, I guess.

Has Edie actually been given more freedom? i.e. did Hollie ask for pro event wildcards and get refused, while Edie asked and got accepted?

Not at all surprised about the prize money

It's obvious that one of the factors in the wildcards (Wimbledon in particular) is whether the LTA recoup the prize money or not (or a part) - it's pretty substantial - (I know that Dani's wasn't discretionary but it's been talked about before for the others) but I can imagine it might have been a less than pleasant surprise for the Brittons

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Monday 7th of September 2026 08:58:57 AM

Rose · Intermediate Club Player

Coup Droit wrote:
Would be a little weird (and controversial) to put Meg on the pro programme back here if they've refused Dani

But, yes, poor girl, it's no wonder that she's not been enjoying it - her injuries must have taken it out of her a bit and the results are obviously disappointing.

Again, it was always the wrong choice of academy, in my book.

She's a bit young to ditch juniors too - although there's no strict reason not to, I guess.

Has Edie actually been given more freedom? i.e. did Hollie ask for pro event wildcards and get refused, while Edie asked and got accepted?

Not at all surprised about the prize money

It's obvious that one of the factors in the wildcards (Wimbledon in particular) is whether the LTA recoup the prize money or not (or a part) - it's pretty substantial - (I know that Dani's wasn't discretionary but it's been talked about before for the others) but I can imagine it might have been a less than pleasant surprise for the Brittons

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Monday 7th of September 2026 08:58:57 AM

My understanding is that the National academy plan the tournaments and the programme for the players there and are reasonably rigid with their timetable as they have several players. The focus is on junior tournaments and the aim is junior slams with the addition of Adukt events on this country if they fit the timetable. its the decision of the academy as they plan and fund. Edie has the flexibility to play what she wants and can also do WTA events abroad which the academy wont support. Edie receives a grant but can control her own programme and tournament. My understanding is thats what Daniella wants. Regarding Meg, they have apparently been in talks with the LTA and British coaches but dont know what the definite outcome is. Just that she needs to get her confidence and enjoyment back and get back on track

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

But if Edie isn't part of the Academy, but gets a separate grant, then obviously she's not governed by academy rules, no?

If Hollie and Dani are part of the Academy, then that's different

Of course, I understand that Dani's clout (so to speak) has gone up - and it's sort of understandable that they now want to use it - but you have to be careful not to overplay your hand

(the focus on juniors is largely the problem of the pay set-up at the LTA as has been highlighted before)

Dani's lot should try and look a bit more long-term

Whether you're on the pro programme this year or next, whether you play a bit more juniors v adults, or vice versa, is not really going to make a huge deal of difference

Look at Liutova who is the top girls junior by absolute miles, nearly top-100 in the WTA, same year of birth as Dani - and yet has never played outside the US, never played any foreign junior tournament, let alone a Grand Slam, has worked her way through qualis of the lowest ITFs coz she never got any wildcards (being Russian) - I'm not saying it's a recommended pathway but you have to have your eyes on the long-term prize