Remember, it was Lopez who first exposed the crack in the Djokovic armor

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

In the women's draw I never look beyond the next round for anyone

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Konta is a force. She lost a final to Vekic less than two weeks ago, to Vekic! Now, a match away from another final with a popcorn match against Pliskova in the semis, winner to meet Wozniaki in the final pre Wimbledon tune up. Unlike Muguruza Konta playing with poise and resilience. And that's why despite losing two weeks ago she's two weeks better!!! Credit to Konta.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

Konta's withdrawn. Hopes to be ok for W'don. Heather Watson loses a bit of an epic with Woz who scrapes through 7-5 in the third. Good effort from Heather who hasn't had a terrific year. As I said previously, don't think Angie put her all into that match for obvious reasons although Konta was playing well. Simona must have been knackered, 2 long 3 setters in one day.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Catherine Muguruza looking like a genius for tanking her match, even if it wasn't to get extra time for Wimbledon. She's not injured like poor Konta, who was the Spring most consistent player on the grass pre Wimbledon

 

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

Muguruza has Conchita Martinez on board for W'don in Sam's absence so we'll see if that makes a difference.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Hartt writes:

It will be interesting to see if a female coach, who literally speaks Muguruza's language, makes a difference. Pliskova just won over Wozniacki 6-4, 6-4. It was the classic matchup of a good server vs a good returner. Karolina is starting to look more comfortable at the net. If she develops a good net game to go along with that serve, she will be formidable.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

I might back Karolina for Wimbledon, if not this year then next if she continues down that attacking route. Ka must have the best serve among current women ?

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Not sure how much it matters! Muguruza isn't playing sterling tennis.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

Last time a Czech won at Eastbourne was Novotna in '98 and she went on to win Wimbledon

 

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

I think I've discovered a reason for the downturn in Kerber's fortunes this year - microscopic inspection of photos reveals she had her front teeth capped late in 2016 and the slight gap there filled in. Myself, I thought the gap gave her a bit of character but then it's Angelique's face and her teeth.... (this isn't a joke - the gap really has disappeared)

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Hartt writes:

I don't watch the women carefully enough to know if Karolina has the best serve, but it is certainly very good. I enjoy good serving, so like to watch her. Should look up her serving stats, if that is not too tough to find out. Know that both she and her twin sister hit a lot of aces.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

catherine writes:

From what I can work out Karolina served 37 aces in the tournament and 10 in the final. Of course these days serve isn't everything, and even in past days Chris Evert didn't do too badly without much of one, but it certainly helps.

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

Not sure if I noticed any facial differences in Kerber or if such a thing could effect how she plays

 

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catherine writes:

Scoop - I'm half serious and half not. I noticed that Angie had had her front teeth capped when she turned up in Australia - it's only a slight difference but definitely there. As for the effect - it's tangential. Maybe she wanted to look her best for all those chat show appearances and other celebrity doings in Germany last year, activities which possibly interfered with her focus on tennis and left her unprepared for the new season. She might not have been entirely conscious of that. Martina N and Lendl both had their teeth fixed - by the same dentist I think. Lendl's orthodontic enhancement was part of his becoming American and the subject of great press discussion. His career really took off about that time. Connection ? He certainly smiled a lot more

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Karolina Pliskova hits a great ball. She gets the ping sound off the racquet that Rios got.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Djokovic wins a tournament, finally! He must be relieved. Been a while since he's had that feeling.

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

Sugita Nishioka Nishikori ... The Japanese are comimg.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Nice Davis Cup team potential for Japan. Now that would be big for Nishikori.