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AKA Wardy Currently British number 5*
James Ward had a hell of a year in 2015. Starting the year off in March with a very very timely and important win over John Isner in the first round of the Davis Cup, putting GB 2-0 up on the Americans at the end of the first day.
Likes of this epic will never been seen again in Davis Cup as the ITF in their wisdom, have decided to introduce a 5th set tiebreak. Those who were there in the arena in Glasgow and watched live (plus those at home who were probably also screaming him home) will never forget the drama of the match. At 15-13 in the fifth set, and very nearly 5 hours of play, Wardy rose the roof as we all rose as one when the final point was netted by Isner. - I know, I was one of them! We gave Wardy a bigger cheer on the Saturday, when the teams were introduced, than Andy Murray received, but Andy certainly didn't mind
Following on from this was a bit of indifferent form from Wardy, but then came Wimbledon. The draw looked annoying again for him as he drew David Ferrer in the first round. However, Ferrer withdrew and a LL was placed instead. Wardy took advantage and after defeating the LL he played Jiri Vesely and won through that one in another 5 set match. The 3rd round saw him play Jack Pospisil and this was where his Wimbledon ended, but once again a 5 set match ensued.
Following Wimbledon Ward was ranked in the top 100 for the first time in his career and this meant that at the Cut off for the US Open Ward had direct entry. Unfortunately he lost in the first round, and then had a run of defeats, some of which on paper he should have won. It transpired that his coach at the time Darren Tandy had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after Wimbledon and although not looking for excuses, it was bound to have effected the Brit. Darren passed away on Christmas Eve and his funeral was held in January
Ward played his first match of the year in the first round qualifying in Dubai and was defeated in straight sets - 3-6, 4-6 but this is not a disgrace by any means. Ward is now due to play a Challenger in Quimber France, so will not be available for Davis Cup in March.
Ward's ranking dropped due to the defeats after Wimbledon, and he has been out with an injury hence Dubai being his first match back. In the meantime Dan Evans has overtaken Ward in the rankings. If Wardy can stay fit and healthy and get wins behind him, he can rise up the rankings again - he will have a round 3 at Wimbledon to defend!
James Ward had a hell of a year in 2015. Starting the year off in March with a very very timely and important win over John Isner in the first round of the Davis Cup, putting GB 2-0 up on the Americans at the end of the first day.
Likes of this epic will never been seen again in Davis Cup as the ITF in their wisdom, have decided to introduce a 5th set tiebreak. Those who were there in the arena in Glasgow and watched live (plus those at home who were probably also screaming him home) will never forget the drama of the match. At 15-13 in the fifth set, and very nearly 5 hours of play, Wardy rose the roof as we all rose as one when the final point was netted by Isner. - I know, I was one of them! We gave Wardy a bigger cheer on the Saturday, when the teams were introduced, than Andy Murray received, but Andy certainly didn't mind
Following on from this was a bit of indifferent form from Wardy, but then came Wimbledon. The draw looked annoying again for him as he drew David Ferrer in the first round. However, Ferrer withdrew and a LL was placed instead. Wardy took advantage and after defeating the LL he played Jiri Vesely and won through that one in another 5 set match. The 3rd round saw him play Jack Pospisil and this was where his Wimbledon ended, but once again a 5 set match ensued.
Following Wimbledon Ward was ranked in the top 100 for the first time in his career and this meant that at the Cut off for the US Open Ward had direct entry. Unfortunately he lost in the first round, and then had a run of defeats, some of which on paper he should have won. It transpired that his coach at the time Darren Tandy had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after Wimbledon and although not looking for excuses, it was bound to have effected the Brit. Darren passed away on Christmas Eve and his funeral was held in January
Ward played his first match of the year in the first round qualifying in Dubai and was defeated in straight sets - 3-6, 4-6 but this is not a disgrace by any means. Ward is now due to play a Challenger in Quimber France, so will not be available for Davis Cup in March.
Ward's ranking dropped due to the defeats after Wimbledon, and he has been out with an injury hence Dubai being his first match back. In the meantime Dan Evans has overtaken Ward in the rankings. If Wardy can stay fit and healthy and get wins behind him, he can rise up the rankings again - he will have a round 3 at Wimbledon to defend!
