British Tennis Forum - Celebrating 20 Years!

the addict · Tennis legend

Weeks 3 & 4 - Grand Slam, Australian Open - Melbourne (outdoor hard)

PaulM · Tennis legend

Var wrote:
PaulM wrote:
Second set was better but was never really threatening. Onwards.
Oh dont really think that is correct given the fact she broke Bencic twice in that second set and had her at 30-40 in that last game. Given Belindas form at present that was a great second set from Katie B. Another month or so back where she should be. Working with Michael seems to be paying off.

-- Edited by Var on Tuesday 20th of January 2026 09:43:16 AM

She only broke Belinda once, and had no other break point opportunities in the entire match - all three of her break points came in that one game. The second set was good (better) tennis but I stand by comment that at no stage did Katie look like she was going to win the set or turn the match around. Which is not a surprise or really a criticism. Belinda was just too good, and that's absolutely fine.

-- Edited by PaulM on Tuesday 20th of January 2026 10:05:21 AM

the addict · Tennis legend

Full first round results

R1: Emma Raducanu (GBR) WR29 [28] def Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) WR195 6-4 6-1

R1:- Francesca Jones (GBR) WR69 lost to L Klimovicova (POL) WR134 [Q] 2-6 2-6 retired

R1:- Katie Boulter (GBR) WR113 lost to Belinda Bencic (SUI) WR10 [10] 0-6 5-7

R1:- Sonay Kartal (GBR) WR63 lost to Anna Kalinskaya (***) WR33 [31] (3)6-7 1-6

*****

R2: Emma Raducanu (GBR) WR29 [28] v Anastasia Potapova (AUT) WR55

B00thy · County player

I've unfortunately been diverted to some family issues and not watched much but ..

Obviously I'm sad about Fran's fall and subsequent injury but otherwise this is probably what I expected ..

Emma started too safe as usual, drew confidence against a weaker opponent and finally dominated. No change there ..

Fran unlucky with injury

Katie's usual brittle confidence undermined her performance

Sonay produced the level she could, at least in the first set. I'm surprised about the second set and will read through the posts to understand what folks feel happened there

Var · Futures level

PaulM wrote:
Var wrote:
PaulM wrote:
Second set was better but was never really threatening. Onwards.
Oh dont really think that is correct given the fact she broke Bencic twice in that second set and had her at 30-40 in that last game. Given Belindas form at present that was a great second set from Katie B. Another month or so back where she should be. Working with Michael seems to be paying off.

-- Edited by Var on Tuesday 20th of January 2026 09:43:16 AM
She only broke Belinda once, and had no other break point opportunities in the entire match - all three of her break points came in that one game. The second set was good (better) tennis but I stand by comment that at no stage did Katie look like she was going to win the set or turn the match around. Which is not a surprise or really a criticism. Belinda was just too good, and that's absolutely fine.

-- Edited by PaulM on Tuesday 20th of January 2026 10:05:21 AM

So she did! My error following the debacle in the US nd trying to watch the tennis S well. Know which I prefer at this point in time. As the UK approves the new Chinese embassy in London Im wondering what Katie will do next. Much better to focus on the tennis.

Peter too · Tennis legend

Helen40 wrote:
the addict wrote:
Live on TNT Sports 4 (and Discovery+)
Darn, don't have subscriptions to those.

I watched on

https://en14.sportplus.live/tennis/

It's not the highest quality and the image starts to break up periodically and needs refreshing but it covers most matches and its free.

Var · Futures level

Some on this board may have noticed that Naomi Osaka made a grand entrance on court today in a costume inspired by a jelly fish. What you may not have clocked was Tim Hermans face when he first clapped eyes on it! I hope this link works it had me in stitches! www.instagram.com/reel/DTvXne_kZDo/

Peter too · Tennis legend

The match started with 5 breaks of service, then Emma held. She served for the set at 5-4, lost her service got another break point but for the first time failed to convert and she lost the tie break. Emma was winning less than 50% on her first service.
Emma 6-7(3)

-- Edited by Peter too on Wednesday 21st of January 2026 04:32:08 AM

paulisi · Tennis legend

Emma looks laboured. No cheap points on her serve, lack of aggression and plenty of errors

Peter too · Tennis legend

Emma 6-7(3) 2-6 Wins on 1st serve 46%.

Blue_Belle · County player

I'm usually a huge fan of Emma but must admit, I'm wondering what is going on. Maybe it's just a bit early and it will grt better as the season goes on? On the other hand, I think - wonder when she will be injured next.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Var wrote:
Some on this board may have noticed that Naomi Osaka made a grand entrance on court today in a costume inspired by a jelly fish. What you may not have clocked was Tim Hermans face when he first clapped eyes on it! I hope this link works it had me in stitches! www.instagram.com/reel/DTvXne_kZDo/

Brilliant ! biggrin

And, just me, but I loved the outfit and thought it was a wonderful idea with a lot of mileage

i.e. players should PLAY their matches in something that's stylish/pretty/whatever BUT - importantly practical/comfortable/etc that doesn't look ridiculous or take away too much from the tennis

However, the entrance seems a perfect time to make a statement, have some fun, clock up some sponsor dollars by wearing their outlandish costume, show interests and personality, be topical, etc etc

Especially the entrance on a big court at a big event, with all the hype

Julia Carrot · All-time great

By mistake I slept though Emma's match, but oh dear sounds like it was pretty dismal.