(1) Djokovic, (2) Nadal and (8) Federer are all in the top half. That mighty clay court player () (2) Medvedev and (4) Thiem are in the bottom half.

Medvedev could in theory be WR 1 after RG if he reaches the final (ha!) depending on how far Djokovic gets.

JonH comes home wrote:

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Fascinating hour just been spent on five live on Novak Djokovic ahead of his summer where he tries to reach the top of the grand slam tree. Great interview with goran.

I am not a fan of djoko but the section gave much more insight into him, the Balkan mind set and what makes him tick.

I have to say, if he reaches 21 slam wins and tops nadal and Federer, he will undoubtedly deserve the accolade of best ever. His record since 2009 or so is imperious and it is actually hats off to Andy that hes won 3 slams in that time.

Looking forward to it and to a djoko v nadal semi ! What a travesty that is!

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If for singles Djokovic does go to the top of the Slams won list maybe we can then have another vote on 'best ever'. Last year neither Djokovic or Nadal reached the final 4. 

Stircrazy wrote:

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L128:  Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) WR 48 (CH = 38 in March) vs (25) Daniel Evans WR 27 (CH = 26 in February)

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L128:  Cameron Norrie WR 45 (CH = 41 in May 2019) vs (Q) Bjorn Fratangelo (USA) WR 197 (CH = 99 in June 2016)

Quite an interesting article by Stu Fraser in today's Times under the headline, British stars finding thier feet on clay at last before French Open (behind a paywall).  It kicks off with comments about Cam - choice quote from Leon:

"He's awkward as hell to play," Smith said. "He's got a spin-heavy forehand with different angles and different heights. And then this very unique backhand, which he hits so early. Then you mix that with his athleticism and the ability to fight all days. It's paying dividends."

Pity about that "very" in front of "unique" (something's either unique or it isn't), but still...

It goes on to draw parallels with Dan in the way they have found their feet on clay:

"What Evo has learnt to do this clay season is to use his own game and find a way that works," Smith said. "It just has a few more adaptations. He's not changed the way he plays, he's just using the serve and volley at the right time, coming forwards and mixing how much he uses the slice versus hitting over the backhand. The thing with Evo is that he's got the ability to be able to adapt on any surface."

Norrie and Evans have adapted well to travelling during a pandemic and hopping from one biosecure bubble to another. In the case of the latter, this has not gone unnoticed by the US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who recently named Evans as someone who has benefited from the present situation because he has "problems focusing on sport in normal situations".  "It's a funny comment," Evans said in response. "Tennis players have a decent habit of putting other people's names in their mouths. I don't lose too much sleep over Mr Thiem.  According to him I must be out a lot partying. I travel with my girlfriend every week. It's not like I'm on my own and single and going nuts when there wasn't bubbles.

Carlos Alcatraz (somebody did escape!) came through qualifying without breaking too much of a sweat. In 3 matches he lost just 11 games.  Extraordinary. I am happy to see new faces.

Everyone enjoy the w/e, the weather isn't too shabby in SW London

Stircrazy wrote:

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Quite an interesting article by Stu Fraser in today's Times under the headline, British stars finding thier feet on clay at last before French Open (behind a paywall).  It kicks off with comments about Cam - choice quote from Leon:

"He's awkward as hell to play," Smith said. "He's got a spin-heavy forehand with different angles and different heights. And then this very unique backhand, which he hits so early. Then you mix that with his athleticism and the ability to fight all days. It's paying dividends."

Pity about that "very" in front of "unique" (something's either unique or it isn't), but still...

It goes on to draw parallels with Dan in the way they have found their feet on clay:

"What Evo has learnt to do this clay season is to use his own game and find a way that works," Smith said. "It just has a few more adaptations. He's not changed the way he plays, he's just using the serve and volley at the right time, coming forwards and mixing how much he uses the slice versus hitting over the backhand. The thing with Evo is that he's got the ability to be able to adapt on any surface."

Norrie and Evans have adapted well to travelling during a pandemic and hopping from one biosecure bubble to another. In the case of the latter, this has not gone unnoticed by the US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who recently named Evans as someone who has benefited from the present situation because he has "problems focusing on sport in normal situations".  "It's a funny comment," Evans said in response. "Tennis players have a decent habit of putting other people's names in their mouths. I don't lose too much sleep over Mr Thiem.  According to him I must be out a lot partying. I travel with my girlfriend every week. It's not like I'm on my own and single and going nuts when there wasn't bubbles.

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Much of the above material now being reported in a bit more detail by the Beeb.  The preview of the next two weeks includes some additional complimentary comments about Cam & comments by him.