30th November, 2022

Kyle Edmund and Elena Malygina are crowned the UKPL 2022 Champions

Kyle Edmund believes his UK Pro League Tennis triumph is the biggest boost yet to his long-awaited return to the top table. Tormented by knee trouble, the former British number one had been out of action for 18 months until making a tentative comeback on the recent US hard court swing. Edmund restated his credentials on home soil by winning the UK Pro League men’s final, joining Emma Raducanu on the tournament’s roll of honour. The 27-year-old beat Dan Cox 6-2 6-3 in the final to be crowned champion of the only domestic league for the top UK tennis professionals. Edmund said:

“For me to be back on court is a bit of a win and I am just enjoying that right now, being able to compete,”

“I said to myself that I was going to play but I have only just started to feel like I can play daily again.
“I was in a lot of pain, couldn’t do anything on my knee really and it was sort of like that light in the tunnel, there was zero light, and I didn’t know how I was going to play at that rate.

“This week has been great for me and next year I just want to be playing tournaments, improving and playing regularly.
“If I come through a decent calendar, my body holds up and I’m improving, you know, that is what I want to be doing.

“When you are playing you want to win, so that competitive side will come out of me like this week but now it is just about getting back on tour and establishing myself again.”

Edmund dropped the first set of his finals week before fighting back to beat George Houghton 5-7 6-3 10-2 in Pool C. He then faced Cox for the first time, again losing the first set but surging back to a 3-6 6-4 10-8 triumph. In the quarter-finals, he beat Giles Hussey 6-2 6-3 before coming back once more to beat Charlie Broom 4-6 6-2 10-0 and reach the final.

“When you’ve had an injury that has put you out for that long, it is definitely mental, you have to regain your confidence physically,” said Edmund.
“Also when you play matches you are playing at live speed and when you see the ball you can’t hesitate, you just have to get there.

“There are going to be areas of my game that are rusty. It’s a true test, from the physical and knee point of view, it was a test of my tennis fitness.
“I ended up playing seven games in five days, I haven’t done that in over two years.”

Estonia’s Elena Malygina ran out winner in the women’s final, edging out home hope Freya Christie. The 22-year-old didn’t drop a set en route to the showpiece and then beat Christie 6-4 3-6 10-7 in a closely-contested final. Malygina said:

“I like to play in the UK and I am hoping to come next year to play as well. It is perfect to play in this event that Britain have made.”

30th November, 2022

Finals Week 2022 – Day 7 Recap

Day 7 saw us crown our 2022 UKPL Champions, but we were also treated to other excellent matches on both courts as we concluded the 8th and final UKPL week of 2022.

First up on court one was the 5-6th playoff between Katarina Stresnakova and Eliz Maloney. Maloney was coming off the back of a very close Quarter Final match in which she went to a nail-biting match tie-break against Lauryn John-Baptiste. Stresnakova, on the other hand, was defeated by Maia Lumsden 7-5, 7-5 in her Quarter Final and, as a result, is certainly pining for that 5th place spot (which holds prize money of £4,000). To begin with, Stresnakova took advantage of a slow start from Maloney going 3 games up at the start, breaking the Maloney serve twice. Maloney, however, came back with vigour breaking twice herself. This was an indication of how the game would proceed. After lots of deuces and break points, Stresnakova was able to get a break in the 10th game, going 0-40 up against Maloney at 5-4. She converted the break, playing some great ground strokes in the process. The next set was rife with excitement and pressure. Stresnakova found herself two break points up in the first game of the second set, converting them with accurate and authoritative striking. Maloney, however, would once again refuse to be quietened down; she pushed to gain 3 break points over Stresnakova. However, perhaps the defining feature of the match was Stresnakova’s ability to make a comeback. She won 5 points in a row in that specific game to hold her serve and consolidate the break. With the score at 2-0, Maloney needed a break soon to try and force a match tie-break. She succeeded, breaking Stresnakova in the 4th game to tie it all up 2-2. After some very good rallies and some great holds, both players found themselves at 5-5 in the second set. Neither was giving an inch to their opponent; Maloney found efficiency in her net play and Stresnakova couldn’t miss the lines. Ultimately, it was Stresnakova in the 11th game that broke Maloney’s serve, achieving 3 break points. It then stood 6-5, with Stresnakova serving for the match. When it all seemed said and done, Maloney won 3 straight points putting immense pressure on the Stresnakova serve. The tension was palpable but, yet again, the tenacity of Stresnakova shone through and she took the game right back to Maloney. Stresnakova then afforded herself a match point and, without hesitation, she took it, securing herself 5th place. A brilliant performance from Stresnakova!

Court 1 also saw the 3rd and 4th play-off between Billy Harris and Charles Broom. Harris had, previous to this match, played Dan Cox in a nerve-jangling and physically demanding fight that ended in a 14-12 match tie-break. Broom, on the other hand, was the unfortunate recipient of Kyle Edmund’s (the former world no. 14) best tennis, also losing in a match tie-break 10-0. Harris started with fury; he ended up 3-1 having broken the Broom serve. However, as Broom began to sweep away the cobwebs, he was able force two breaks and go up 4-3. He then played an outstanding game and found himself with 2 break points. He was able to capitalise on one of these and won the first set 6-3. The return game of Broom was incredible, only allowing Harris to win 55% of the points off his first serve. Harris, a tall man (6’ 4’’), usually uses that big serve of his to dictate rallies but, in this match, Broom was making it very difficult for Harris to win quick and easy points. The momentum lay with Broom in the second set and it seemed Harris wasn’t able to do anything against his ferocious attack lay out. Broom careered through the first 6 games winning 5 of them and breaking twice. Broom’s serve was also very potent, with him winning 80% of points off his first serve. However, there was some last-minute drama; Harris did not accept defeat and pushed on to get a break and bring the game back to 5-4 with Broom to serve. However it was too little too late, as Broom persevered with a strong service game to win the match 6-3, 6-4. What a game from the young Hertfordshire man.

Now, onto the finals…

The Men’s final featured the former world number 14 Kyle Edmund, and Dan Cox. Cox has participated in the UK Pro League every year since it started, achieving 4th place in the Finals Week of 2020 and 3rd place in the Finals Week last year. Kyle Edmund needs no introduction, having once seeded in the top 20 players in the world and reaching the Semi Finals of the Australian Open, where he lost to Marin Cilic in a tough contest. Against Cox, Edmund came out of the blocks flying. Both players able to hold their serve until the 6th game, when Edmund forced a break on the Cox serve. Edmund’s ferocious forehand and serve were doing a hefty amount of damage. The strongest parts of Cox’s game are long rallies as well as his speed, but those were hard to come by today with the electricity that Edmund filled the first set with. Edmund again forced a break in the 8th game to settle the first set 6-2. However, Cox did not accept defeat, he marched on displacing the momentum that Edmund had after the first set and earning himself 3 break points in the 5th game, however he wasn’t able to capitalise on them. It seemed that whenever Edmund started playing his best he was unstoppable, playing passing shot after passing shot with ease. He pushed Cox around the court until finally finishing off the rally with his brutal forehand. It was clear that we were witnessing the glimpses of a top 20 player back in action after 2 years of injury. It was ultimately in the 8th game, after some great tennis from Cox, that Edmund was able to force a break gaining a 0-40 lead. This settled the scores at 5-3. It was then a matter of second nature for Edmund to close out the match. An unbelievable game, Edmund acted as a human highlight reel and was a pleasure to watch. Cox played exceptionally and perhaps would have won against anyone not of Edmund’s calibre. Kyle Edmund is thus named 2022 UK Pro League Champion!

The Women’s final featured Elena Malygina and Freya Christie. Christie championed over Maia Lumsden in her Semi Final, with Lumsden having to retire with injury after the first set. Malygina defeated Lauryn-John Baptiste in a decisive 6-1, 6-1 contest in the other Semi Final. Both players settled in nicely to the first set, Christie served very well and Malygina played very precise ground strokes. The only real break in their serves came from Malygina, who was able to take advantage of some slightly erroneous shots and serves from Christie. The score reached 4-3 with Malygina to serve. The next few games were routine for both players, but Malygina held her serve and finished off the set 6-4. At this juncture, both players were playing very well. Christie’s forehand serve made it difficult for Malygina to attack like she usually does. Similarly, Malygina did her best to stifle the Christie attack with some beautiful passing shots and drop shots. Malygina was able to force some errors from Christie at the beginning of the second set, however Christie (the comeback queen), held off Malygina’s attack and was able to force a break in the 8th game making the score 4-2. She then, with the help of her brilliant serves, finished off the second set 6-3. Onto the match tie-break, where Christie earned herself a mini break at 3-1, but the tenacious young Estonian was not to be left in the dust. She fought her way back and squared the game off at 6-6. It was then when she really turned on the thrusters and cannoned herself to victory in a 10-7 brilliant match tie-break win. Elena Malygina is the 2022 UK Pro League Champion!

26th November, 2022

Dan Cox wins his Semi Final at match tiebreak as Freya Christie makes the Women’s Final

Dan Cox and Billy Harris faced each other in the Men’s second Semi Final match. It was always going to be a very tight match, with both players very close in the ATP rankings (Cox at 399 and Harris at 322). Both players settled into the first set well. Cox was using his patented slice serve to push Harris out wide but, despite Cox’s consistency, Harris was the first to break in game six. It was a great first set from Harris, who capitalised on the shakiness of Cox and used his serve very accurately and efficiently, winning 84% of points off his first serve.

In the second set, Cox won the first game of the set 2 to love, looking very imposing. He then achieved 3 break points in the second game, putting an onerous amount of pressure on Harris and ultimately converting it to a break with a sumptuous drop shot. Again, the first serve was instrumental in this with Cox winning 100% of the points off of it. Cox went on to win his next game and force another break off the Harris serve. It was a very confident and assertive set by Cox, whose returns also forced Harris to win every point through groundstrokes rather than grabbing a few natural points with his serve. Cox ended up concluding the second set 6-1.

Once again, the match tie-break did not disappoint. Harris served powerfully to begin with, gaining a small mini-break. However, Cox never left his shoulder in the race to the finish. They went right up to the line 10-10, 11-10, 11-11… Right up until 14-12. Cox had 3 match points until, at 13-12, he finally converted and won the match in a great 3-set battle 3-6 6-1 14-12. A very well-deserved victory for Dan Cox, who plays Kyle Edmund tomorrow.

In the second Woman’s Semi Final match Maia Lumsden faced off Freya Christie. Throughout the entirety of the first set it was clear that Lumsden wasn’t feeling her best. Although some good rallies were played, Lumsden unfortunately couldn’t play on after the conclusion of the first set and had to retire. And so, Christie wins 6-2 ret. She will play the very strong Elena Malygina tomorrow in the Final!

The 9-12th playoffs featured some thrilling matches. The scores ended:

• Danielle Daley bt Arina Vasilescu 3-6, 6-2, 10-7
• Joanna Garland bt Alice Gillan 7-6(3), 7-6(2)
• Anton Matusevich bt George Houghton 6-1, 6-2
• Sean Hodkin bt Tom Hands 6-2, 2-0 ret.

26th November, 2022

Elena Malygina storms through to the Women’s Final with a straight sets win

Our second Semi Final match featured Elena Malygina and Lauryn John-Baptiste. Elena Malygina notably had, up till now, only lost 12 games in a total of 6 sets. In other words, she is storming through the competition. John-Baptiste was also coming off a strong win against rival Eliz Maloney. The first set came and went, with John-Baptiste not quite finding her footing early on. The first set only took a grand total of 22 minutes for Malygina to finish. The momentum was firmly on the side of Malygina, the question was could she maintain it? That she very well could! The second set spelled equal brilliance from Malygina, she started strong breaking John-Baptiste to love in her first service game. However, John-Baptiste had a surge of power as she forced a few errors from Malygina gifting her a 15-40 lead in Malygina’s first game. Malygina, however, was able to dig deep and, after a few troubling points, pull through and consolidate the break. Malygina, from that moment on, was unstoppable; she went on to win the next 4 games in a row to seal the victory and win in straight sets 6-1, 6-1. It just wasn’t John-Baptiste’s day, she fought valiantly but the Estonian struck the ball with an astonishing amount of power and her unforced error count would be 8 at most. A truly brilliant display that ultimately begs the question- what can anyone do to stop her?

Watch all matches live on BT Sport Channel 2 or stream on the Tennis Channel.

26th November, 2022

Kyle Edmund beats Charles Broom to land a spot in the UKPL 2022 Final

To kick-off the anticipated UK Pro League Semi-finals Day Kyle Edmund, the former world number 14, took on the 24-year-old Charles Broom. In the first set, Broom broke immediately, taking advantage of a slow start from Edmund. He was then able to consolidate the opening game break with some magnificent shots. However, Edmund began to show glimpses of his world class skill, looking imperious over the ball. His characteristic powerful forehand casted an ominous hand over Broom’s 3rd service game. Edmund forced a 0-4 lead over Broom, but the youngster was able to find a way back. After some back and forth over deuce, Broom re-clarified his lead at 4-2; a great hold from him. The match proceeded with neither player making any mistakes, taking the match to 5-4 with Broom to serve. Broom was looking incredibly comfortable and self-assured over the ball and showed no signs of hesitation while serving for the match. Ultimately, Broom capped off the first set 6-4.

The beginning of the second set began with Edmund immediately asking questions of the Broom serve. Edmund was up 30-15 in the first game, but Broom was able to close out the first and hold the game well. It was then Broom to pose the questions as he gained himself two break points in the third game, however he wasn’t able to capitalise. This, unfortunately for Broom, was the beginning of the end, as Edmund gained a lot of momentum. In the 4th game, Edmund broke Broom’s serve to love, imposing himself on the second set with immense balance and power. Edmund looked like he was playing as a top 20 tennis player by the end of the second set, sending Broom scrambling around the court. Set 2 ended 6-2.

Now, with the game in the balance, it came down to a match tie-break. Edmund looked solid in every aspect of the game; with the momentum completely on his side he championed over Charles Broom 4-6, 6-2, 10-0. The tie-break showed just how special Kyle Edmund can be, returning to the game after having 3 knee operations he looks as though he’s back in business. Credit to Charles Broom, who played immaculately, reaching some of the most difficult Edmund shots and returning them with interest! As it stands, Edmund will face either Billy Harris or Dan Cox in the finals tomorrow. Tune into their match later today nb 1pm.

Live on BT Sport Channel 2 and streaming on the Tennis Channel.

26th November, 2022

UKPL Finals Week 2022 – Day 5 recap

Day 5 hosted a mixture of the 9-12th and 5-8th round-robin matches. The day started with the 5-8th round-robin match between Harry Wendelken and Joshua Paris. Paris was narrowly beaten yesterday by Billy Harris after seeming to struggle a little with his serve and powerful shots. Wendelken had also just suffered a nail-biting Quarter Final loss to Dan Cox where, although Wendelken advanced to a set and break up, the expertise of Dan Cox shone through and he won at match tie-break. When playing Paris, Wendelken, a simply exceptional youth 6 years Paris’ junior, was striking the ball with immense power and acute precision. The last time these two faced off was another three-setter two weeks prior, where Paris emerged victorious. Both players opened the set steadily, working their way through their own service games and familiarising themselves with the match. Wendelken forced an early break in the 5th game, largely due to Paris’ forehand being slightly too trigger-happy. At the death of the first set, Wendelken then capitalised, grabbing another game against Paris to make the first 6-3. It was a dominant showing by the youngster. The next set involved a few early breaks from both players and the rallies were superb. Ultimately Wendelken came out on top; he won 7-3 in a good tie-break. Paris was playing slightly reserved at points and additionally his weapon of a forehand couldn’t strike lighting as it usually does.

Over on Court 2 the Women’s 9-12th round robin continued with Arina Vasilescu vs Alice Gillan. They both played their service games admirably. Gillan had 3 break opportunities but failed to take any of them, whereas Vasilescu pounced on the only one she got. That lead to her taking the first set 6-3. The next set was fairly routine for Vasilescu; she broke 3 times to conclude the match 6-3, 6-2. A very strong performance by Vasilescu, but she will be ultimately sad to be out of the main draw, having been knocked out through little fault of her own by tough defeats to Maloney and Christie. Nevertheless, she will likely be a very strong candidate for 5th place.

The 9-12th round robin match between George Houghton and Tom Hands began with both serving excellently; both players had a first serve percentage of over 85%. Houghton was the first to break and this singular break point was all he needed to crack the nigh impenetrable defence of Tom Hands. The second set, however, took a different turn. Hands found solace in his second serve and won 70% of the points off it. This allowed him to earn 3 break points against Houghton, one of which he converted. As I always mention, this quality of tennis means that one slip is all you need to lose a set. Next, into the match tie-break, which was a very close affair with Houghton just pipping Hands at the post, securing a 12-10 win. Both players showed a firm resolve but as it stood the more experienced player came out on top. A fascinating match!

Next up was the 9-12th round-robin match between Sean Hodkin and Anton Matusevich. Matusevich came out of the blocks firing, stamping his foot down on the first set. He was thus able to take a set lead of 6-3. Matusevich’s speed and power were the names of the game in this match. He did not let any points go to rest, dealing blow after blow to ensure a first set victory. After a thumping first set, one might have thought that the game was over, but Hodkin’s impressive serving game brought the game to a second set tiebreak. Ultimately, Matusevich brought the game to a close by winning the tie-break 7-2. An imperious showing from the young man.

In other news, Eliz Maloney defeated Andre Lukosiute in a decisive contest. Lukosiute, wielding an injury, just couldn’t stand up to the dominant force that is Eliz Maloney who achieved a dazzling 6-0, 6-3 win. A great win for Maloney, be sure to catch her in action this weekend as she battles for 5th place!

Court 1 next featured Ewan Moore vs Giles Hussey. Both men played outstandingly in their pools, defeating some great competitors. Moore faced Charles Broom in the Quarters losing in straight sets, and Hussey faced Kyle Edmund also losing in straight sets. Although Hussey is 500 ATP rankings higher than Moore, Moore is in form at present and is having a great tournament. The first set was a blood bath, both players had plenty of opportunities to break and failed to capitalise. It was Moore who seemed dominant to begin with but, after a solid defensive effort, Hussey rose from the depths to force a break in the 10th game. The first set concluded 6-4. After some ferocious and fast ground strokes from Moore, he stole the second set 6-3. And so onto another match tiebreak. Moore was able to win all the points off his dynamic serve (7), and also grabbed 3 points off the serve of Hussey. In the end, Moore rounded up the match tiebreak 10-4. A great comeback victory for the 24-year-old!

Lastly, Joanna Garland surmounted the efforts of Danielle Daley showing precisely why she is the highest rated women’s player in the UK Pro League Nottingham Finals Week. A tremendous display from Garland. Katarina Stresnakova also got the better of her opponent Gabriella Knutson 6-0, 6-4. Stresnakova will play Maloney on Sunday for that highly contested 5th spot.

25th November, 2022

UKPL Finals Week 2022 – Day 4 Recap

The 4th day of a UK Pro League Week is always packed full of action. It sees every player compete in a mix of Quarter Finals and 9-12th round robin matches. This one certainly did not disappoint.

The Quarter Finals commenced with Elena Malygina taking on Andre Lukosiute. Malygina took hold of the match from the very start. Breaking 3 times in both sets, she propelled her way to an early victory and concluded the first match in just over an hour 6-0, 6-1.

On Court 1, we were first treated to a contest between Katarina Stresnakova and Maia Lumsden. The first set was incredibly tight. Lumsden, due to a slightly sloppy start, found herself 4-0 down; Stresnakova even made it to 5-2 up on Lumsden’s serve. However, through Lumsden’s stoicism, she was able to break 3 times to make the set 7-5. Lumsden’s variety simply caught Stresnakova off guard, the forehand dropshot reminiscent of Carlos Alcaraz. The second set didn’t disappoint either. Both players broke one another numerous times, Stresnakova was brilliant off her backhand and Lumsden’s variety was, once again, to be applauded. The tension was palpable, it held right up until the 7th game when Stresnakova broke. Lumsden then broke back, then they both held and, in the last game, when Lumsden was 6-5 up she converted a hard-fought break concluding this thrilling match. That was an awesome match, one for the UKPL history books! If you missed it make sure to catch it on demand on the Tennis Channel. Wow, just wow!

The next Quarter Final match featured Joshua Paris and Billy Harris, two decorated players. Harris, currently ranked 322 in the ATP Rankings, started slightly shaky and allowed the dominant Paris to get ahead 6-4. Paris’ backhand started and stopped the rallies with fluidity and ease, not to mention his forehand and serve doing damage. However Harris, a veteran of the UK Pro League, was not finished whatsoever. In the second set, Harris played systematically and with confidence. He won almost 90% of points off his second serve, affirming that old adage, ‘you’re only as good as your second serve’. Harris, therefore, capped off the second 6-4. Now, to the match tie-break: Paris, although playing many fine shots throughout the match, couldn’t capitalise and Harris used his confident strokes to overwhelm the 26-year-old. It ultimately came down to the clinical serving and powerful ground strokes that earned Billy Harris the win (10-5).

Harry Wendelken vs Dan Cox was another exhilarating match. The match could be dubbed a clash of the ages; Wendelken being 12 years Cox’s junior. The match started with a sparkle; both players broke early on, but Wendelken prevailed with his electric speed and cat-like agility to gain a break up and take the first set 6-4. This first set went to deuce innumerable times; neither wanted to give in and consistency was the name of the game. The second set was a spitting image of the first. The rallies were quick but controlled, generating power beyond the realm of man. The second set ultimately fell into the hands of the Cox (6-4). The match tiebreak was, without fail, exactly the same! Consistency ruled with an iron sceptre, a minor fault and the game would be lost. Cox took a mini lead at the start taking it to 5-2, but Wendelken could not be shown the door; his young animosity was not to be subdued. Ultimately, Cox took charge and nipped Wendelken at the post 10-7. Another match I highly recommend to catch up on if you missed it!

Kyle Edmund showed his expertise in his Quarter Finals match against Giles Hussey and defeated him convincingly 6-2, 6-3. Edmund’s first serve was once again absolutely dominant; he was able to win 30 of 40 shots off his first serve. Equally, his forehand commanded respect during the rallies, with Hussey failing to reach many of the blistering shots Edmund produced. Ewan Moore vs Charles Broom ended with a similar score. Broom swept Moore away in straight sets: 6-2, 6-4. Broom’s serving was imperative to his win. He was able to dictate the rallies from the back, however not without Ewan’s brilliant speed and court coverage to engender some awe-inspiring rallies. Both players fought well, but it is Charles Broom who advances to the Semi Finals.

The next of the blockbuster matches on Court 1 came from Eliz Maloney and Lauryn John-Baptiste. Eliz Maloney, who needs no introduction with the year she’s having, climbing 700 WTA ranks this year alone. Lauryn John-Baptiste, 500 ranks Maloney’s inferior, is also having a great year, coming 3rd and 2nd in Weeks 3 and 7 respectively. Their head-to-head record favours Maloney, who defeated John-Baptiste in the Week 7 UK Pro League Finals. In the first set, Maloney imposed herself from the get-go, using her powerful strokes along with her dynamic court movement to take the lead. However, John-Baptiste is a fighter above all and she tussled her way back in the second set. Both players broke one another over 4 times, but, ultimately, it was a beautifully precise backhand that earned John-Baptiste the break late in the second. Nothing compared to the beauty of the match tie-break. Maloney and John-Baptiste were toe-to-toe in a battle of grit, after an hour and ¾ of gruelling match play they persevered to give us some of the best rallies not only of the day, but of the week. Maloney, in the tie break, kept a small break lead over John-Baptiste. At 7-5 it looked ominous for John-Baptiste and Maloney looked as though she could do no wrong. However, John-Baptiste would not give up. Point after point she drew nearer and nearer to that final winning result. Finally, to show just how brilliant she was, she won with a ground-quaking backhand that licked the line. 7-7, 7-8, 7-9. It seems as though each match here today tells its own story, this, most certainly, was a sight to behold.

Another terrific Quarter Final match featured Freya Christie and Gabriella Knutson. Knutson took the first set 6-3, winning 100% of the points off her first serve. However, if there’s anything one should know of Christie is that she is a trooper, she saved 7 of 7 break points against her serve. An outstanding second set from Christie made the scores equal. Then, to another match tie-break, this one was a photo-finish. Christie had 3 match points at 9-6, but Knutson brought it back to 9-8. Just as it looked like Knutson was making her way back, Christie closed the door on her chances finishing the match 10-8.

We certainly had some incredible and nail-bitingly close Quarter Finals, but Thursday also saw the start of the 9-12th round robin matches. In these, the pool of four players compete against each other to gain points (3 points for a straight sets win, whilst a 3 set match earns the winner 2 points and the loser 1) from which the finishing order is determined.

The 9-12th round-robin matches commenced with Arina Vasilescu, who was just bested by Freya Christie yesterday in the Pool matches, and Joanna Garland. The match was always going to be tight, with Garland also losing both Pool matches against two very strong competitors. The beginning of the first set was clinical from Garland, who gained 4 break points- two of which she converted. In the second set, Vasilescu was the one to take hold of the breaks and grabbed 3 off 3 chances. That was the beginning of the end for Garland, who fought admirably and very possibly could have won, but a few unforced errors were her undoing. The final result came out as 3-6, 6-2, 10-7.

Also in the 9-12ths, Danielle Daley took on Alice Gillan, with Daley wrapping up that match in a hard-fought but decisive 6-2, 6-3. Hodkin performed very well when facing George Houghton, with fine placement and acute power. Houghton seemed perhaps more erroneous than he usually is, especially on the backhand side and over the short ball. Nonetheless a superb finish by Hodkin winning 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile, Anton Matusevich defeated Tom Hands 6-3, 6-1 and will play Sean Hodkin on Friday.

Watch the matches live on BT Sport, the Tennis Channel and ukproleague.tv all week. Tickets to come and watch are available here

24th November, 2022

UKPL Finals Week 2022 – Women’s Pools Recap

It’s been an exciting few days here in Nottingham during the first stage of the 2022 UK Pro League Finals. In the pool stage, the 12 players are split into pools of 3, within which they compete. The top two from each pool proceed through to the Quarter Finals, whilst the third place enters the 9-12th play-offs.

Women’s Pool A saw Arina Vasilescu, Freya Christie and Eliz Maloney battle it out. Maloney, winning Weeks 5 and 7, is looking to extend her run of good form. In the first set of her match against Christie, Maloney saved 8 of 10 break points, winning 6-4. The second set weaved a different tale. With only one break being offered and taken, Christie took it and championed 6-4. The final match tiebreak was also closely fought, but Maloney’s recent meteoric rise had to hit a bump at some stage; she was stifled 10-5 in the final tiebreak, with Christie’s first serve being her saving grace. Maloney was on fire in the next match against Vasilescu and took advantage early in both sets, perhaps miffed at her recent defeat. The match concluded swiftly in just over 60 minutes 6-1, 6-1. This left Vasilescu needing to win in straight sets against a dominant Christie to secure her place in the Quarter Finals. Her first set performance dazzled an uncomfortable Christie, however she seemed to tire marginally in the 8th game of the second set, in which Christie just broke her. The rest of set two was routine for Christie, and with that in the bag she secured her spot in the Quarter Finals. It was clear in the match tiebreak that after Vasilescu’s defeat in the second she was slightly broken, the match concluded 4-6, 6-3, 10-7, meaning Christie tops Pool A.

Pool B for the women featured up and coming stars such as Elena Malygina, Joanna Garland and Katarina Stresnakova. Stresnakova began her UK Pro League Finals Week with a win against Garland. She edged past her 7-6(1), 7-5. However Elena Malygina wrapped up both pool matches with competence beating both Garland and Stresnakova in straight sets.

In Pool C, Lauryn John-Baptiste was able to overcome both Gabriella Knutson and Alice Gillan in straight-sets affairs. John-Baptiste, having reached the UK Pro League Week 7 Finals, has continued to excel, however, rather imperiously, John-Baptiste will face Eliz Maloney in the Quarter Finals, who she lost to in the Week 7 UK Pro League finals 6-2, 6-3. It will be interesting to see if she will be able to surmount the burgeoning star that is Eliz Maloney. Knutson, having beaten Gillan to come second in the pool, will face Christie in another Quarter Final match which should be interesting, given how close these two are in rankings- Christie currently at 454 and Knutson at 469 (WTA Rankings).

Women’s Pool D saw Maia Lumsden beat both Danielle Daley and Andre Lukosiute. It was ultimately the accuracy and power of Lumsden’s first serves (she had almost 80% of points won off her first serves) that led to her taking the match against Lukosiute, who is ranked the 4th best Lithuanian player at only 21 years old. The match concluded 7-6(4), 6-0. Daley vs Lumsden was less close, Lumsden winning 6-4 6-1 in 70 minutes. Daley will next see Alice Gillan in the 9-12th play-offs, whilst Lukosiute will face Elena Malygina in tomorrow’s Quarter Finals. Lumsden will face the runner-up of Pool D, Katarina Stresnakova.

With the Pool round robin matches complete, we now turn to the 9-12th Round-Robin matches and the Quarter Finals of the UK Pro League Finals Week. Watch live all week on BT Sport (Court 1), the Tennis Channel (Court 2) and ukproleague.tv (Court 2).

Tickets are still available to come watch the action at Nottingham Tennis Centre- buy here

24th November, 2022

UKPL Finals Week 2022- Men’s Pools Recap

It’s been an exciting few days here in Nottingham during the first stage of the 2022 UK Pro League Finals. In the pool stage, the 12 players are split into pools of 3, within which they compete. The top two from each pool proceed through to the Quarter Finals, whilst the third place enters the 9-12th play-offs.

The hotly contested Pool C consists of George Houghton, Kyle Edmund and Dan Cox. Kyle Edmund, a wildcard this week, has a previous career high ranking of 14, although he only recently returns after an 18-month break due to injury. The first match came between Edmund and Houghton. George Houghton, currently sitting at 1523 in the ATP rankings, is one of the smoothest players of the ball in the Finals Week. Houghton found himself 5-2 down in the first set with Edmund’s patented forehand letting loose. However, Houghton played not just immaculate- but rhythmic- tennis. His shots were perfectly placed with enough power, and he went on to win the set 7-5. A fantastic showing from the young man from Guildford. However, the next two sets would not fall to Houghton, who struggled after his brief episode of magic to compete toe-to-toe with a hitter of such calibre as Edmund is. The game ended: 5-7, 6-3, 10-2. Unfortunately, Houghton’s loss was doubled as he faced Dan Cox. Cox, a man of superb talent, reaching a career high ATP ranking of 206, was able to overcome Houghton in emphatic fashion 7-6(2), 6-1. Houghton was out, and so the final showdown of Pool C came between Dan Cox and Kyle Edmund. The match was electric with both players breaking and subsequently losing their serves. But at the end of the closely fought battle Edmund beat Cox in a thrilling match tie-break (10-8). Dan Cox, although losing to Edmund beat Houghton in straight sets and due to the formatting of the tournament (2 points for win in 3 sets, 3 points for a win in straight sets), Cox heads the group.

In Pool D Josh Paris, Sean Hodkin and Charlie Broom battled it out for the top two spots. Josh Paris lost in a 3-set defeat to Sean Hodkin in the first match. Hodkin, as a result, seemed in fine form going into his match against Charlie Broom, but lost in just one hour 6-2, 6-3. Broom saved 5/5 break points during the match and held his nerve to secure him the 3-point victory. The last match featured Paris vs. Broom, which would determine if Paris made it to the Quarter Finals. In the end, Paris was able to secure a confident 6-3, 6-4 to place him at the top of Pool D with Broom in close second. Broom will play in-form Ewan Moore, whilst Paris is set to face Billy Harris in the other Quarter Final.

The illustrious Pool B did not disappoint.
It contained last year’s UK Pro League Champion Anton Matusevich within the ranks, as well as Billy Harris, a definite contender for the title, and Ewan Moore, also a strong competitor. Ewan Moore began his unbelievable run, in widely regarded as the toughest men’s pool, by beating Billy Harris in a stellar performance 6-3, 7-5. Ewan Moore is the epitome of electric on the court, there’s unquestionably nothing that this man can’t reach. In that vein, any inconsistency and he will pounce- not to mention his shot making is fantastic. Next up, in an astonishing display, Ewan Moore defeated the defending Champion 6-4, 7-6(2). Matusevich began in his own characteristic style by slapping and whipping the balls around the court breaking Moore in the 5th game. However, after this break, Matusevich seemed to slip marginally, which led to Moore capitalising by converting some break points to win the first. The second set showed just how impressive both players can be. Anton, hitting with such power the echoes are endless and Moore, with such a firm determination not to let the game slip; the second set proved to be nail-biting. Moore saved 5/6 break points and ultimately broke Matusevich who was serving for the second set. Moore used his speed and talent to blow the ex-UK Pro League Champion out the water and win in straight sets. Ewan takes on Charlie Broom in the Quarter Finals. The last match between Matusevich and Harris was widely anticipated. The loser would go into the 9-12th play-offs, neither thought at the beginning of the tournament that Ewan’s meteoric rise would stifle one of their entries into the Quarters. Harris, from the offset was serving cannonballs and forcing errors from Matusevich. Additionally, he saved 6/6 break points and forced a break of his own to take the first. If the ex-champion was to remain a contender for the title, he had to win the next set. After a dramatic end of the second set, in which Billy was almost broken when serving for the match, ultimately Harris came through victorious. Harris plays Joshua Paris in the Quarter Finals, which should be electric.

In Pool A, Harry Wendelken came out on top beating Brandon Murphy in straight sets and Giles Hussey in a tightly fought 3 set match. Wendelken, thus, tops the pool with 5 points. Brandon Murphy unfortunately had to withdraw after one match, which allowed Tom Hands the alternate to take the reins. Thus, the final match of day 3 came between Giles Hussey and Tom Hands. After the first set (which Hussey won [6-0]), Hands fought admirably, pushing Hussey all around the court and making it a scintillating watch. Ultimately however, Hussey forced a break late in the second set to clinch the win- a well fought battle between the two! Hussey now takes on Edmund in the Quarter Finals, this will be an incredibly tight match.

With the Pool’s round-robin matches complete, we now turn to the 9-12th round-robin matches and the Quarter Finals of the UK Pro League Finals Week. Watch live all week on BT Sport (Court 1), the Tennis Channel (Courts 1 & 2) and ukproleague.tv (Court 2).

Tickets are still available to come watch the action at Nottingham Tennis Centre- buy here

20th November, 2022

George Loffhagen beats Anton Matusevich 6-3 2-6 10-2 and is the winner of Week 7

In his debut UKPL Week, George Loffhagen takes the crown by winning against Week 6 Winner and UKPL 2021 Champion Anton Matusevich at the match tiebreak.