Week 44 - ITF (W15) Antalya, Turkey Hard

emmsie69 · Top national player

RE: Week 44 - ITF (W15) Antalya, Turkey Hard

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

emmsie69 wrote:
She may have just been suffering a virus the week before and thought it was on the way out, its not always an injury that is to blame.

Yes. Stomach upsets are also quite common on tour (which, of course, can be a virus' as you say' but also bacterial and, anyway, rather different from cold viruses)

You have to retire on the day because you can barely stand up straight. And think you're better a couple of days later and feel fine but, in fact, have no legs and feel like cotton wool as soon as you run around a bit.

HarryGem · Club Coach

Michael D wrote:
Yes, and not only has it been a totally dreadful season for her but it's still not clear at all that she will find a way back. These three tournaments in Antalya kind of sum it up. An overwhelming top see in each event, she was thrashed in the first final, retired in the second final whilst being thrashed even more (and still it's not clear what that was about), and then retires her in the 2nd round. All of which raises a lot of questions about the coaching and advice she's been given now. Coz frankly, if she did have a niggle in the final on Sunday, then what on earth was she doing playing here again this week?

Gabi started the year ranked 187, next week she will be ranked around 422, and there is nothing false about that ranking based on her current form and frame of mind. I hope she can recover some of her earlier inspiration soon.

I agree with all of this. I've highlighted the main points for me. Presumably entry to these tournaments, a step down on where she was a year ago, was done with the idea of a few confidence boosting wins. Not sure now that has been achieved. Her current form is wretched and as others have said her attitude at times doesn't seem all that positive. The level of tournaments she was playing at the start of the year look way beyond her at the moment. Maybe she should finish her year now, take some time away from the game and come back refreshed in the new year. It is a long way back from here but not impossible.

the addict · Tennis legend

I posted this in her individual thread, but it's worth repeating here.

From Instagram

gabitaylor
Finishing the season on a high with 2 finals and a doubles title. I have to say it's been my most challenging year so far, both mentally and physically. Overcoming setbacks and constantly pushing through. Nonetheless, I have learnt so much from this year for the good and bad, and I'm thankful for that. Without failing you would never learn and become the athlete you thrive to be. I want to thank those who have stuck by me and helped me push through the ups and downs this year. You know who you are. With the support from my team, I physically feel the strongest I've ever felt on court right now and I can't wait to get back into preseason mode after a short break to recharge and start 2020 strong!

ROSAMUND · Futures level

Well at least Gabi is putting a positive spin on her year.

Michael D · All-time great

ROSAMUND wrote:
Well at least Gabi is putting a positive spin on her year.

Yes and I don't know whether that augurs well or not, when she calls losing badly in two W15 finals when the overwhelming top seed... a high. Let's just say its a very low high after her two previous end of seasons.

And certainly do hope this is a nadir for her now. Surely next year can only be better for her... there must still be a much better tennis player than she's been recently lurking in there...