GB team at Auray - Ewen Lumsden, James Parkin, Alexandra Hunter and Maria Budin
Captains Martin Reeves and John Trehearn blog from the Open Super 12 in Auray.
Temperature and tempo rises to another level!
Alexandra Hunter opened proceedings today in front a full house on centre court against Dayana Yastrenska (Ukraine).
Alexandra handled the atmosphere and scenario of playing on a show court really well as she started on full tempo breaking first game with terrific fighting spirit. When you're up against one of the top players in Europe you have to 'front up' in all areas - physically, tactically and most importantly mentally. Alexandra was really pumped up and the level of tennis was of the highest standard.
At 4-3 40-0 it looked promising but Alexandra couldn't quite take her opportunity and the match slipped away 6-4, 6-1. However it was great to see Alexandra embrace centre stage with such positive and energetic approach.
Maria Budin also allowed a first set lead to quickly slip away. Having won a hard fought 7-6 first set Maria lost momentum and the initiative losing the next sets 2-6, 2-6. A better performance though overall with heavy groundstroke hitting and numerous backhand winners down the line. Well done Maria!
Alexandra Hunter & Maria Budin outside their host family's home
Ewen Lumsden lost 3-6, 0-6 to Czech Tomas Machac. After a slow start, Ewen struggled to get a foothold in the match. Ewen will be much wiser for the experience of competing against the top players in Europe this week and will hopefully return to Scotland with clear objectives on where he can improve his game.
The day ended on a high note however, when Maria avenged her singles loss combining with Alexandra to clinch a semi-final place defeating the Spanish pair 2-6, 6-2, 10-8 in another good quality girls doubles. Maria and Alexandra attacked the net with pace and penetration.
I was delighted with the character and determination the girls showed tonight to win the doubles. They put aside their disappointment of their singles and came out fighting and fully deserved their victory with some good old British Bulldog Spirit!
John Trehearn & Martin Reeves
The Flyin' Scots lead the way.....
Ewen Lumsden and Alexandra Hunter steamed through in fine fashion today here in Brittany along with Maria Budin from Bristol.
Ewen started early with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-2 victory against Noam Munster (BEL). Ewen played a tactically astute match with clever use of his topspin lob and backhand slice which unsettled his opponent.
'Lummo' before his singles
James Parkin fought hard against Alexey Zakharov (Russia) putting up a spirited fight in the second set losing 6-0, 6-3. This was a great learning curve for James against the winner of the TCBB Paris event earlier this year.
In the girls’ event, Maria Budin battled her way through a tricky opponent in Arrabella Koller (AUT) coming through in three sets. Maria demonstrated real perseverance to dig in to get the job done in three sets 6-3, 6-7, 6-1.
Alexandra Hunter disposed of Lian Benedejcic (SLOV) in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 with a good demonstration of variation of trajectory, spins and angles making it very difficult for her opponent to find her rhythm. Alexandra served intelligently today - making more serves which gave her the platform to control the points.
The girls concluded proceedings with a late night doubles victory against the Canadian pair with a 6-0, 7-5 win.
Maria and Alexandra after their doubles win
I was delighted with this performance - the first set in particular was really impressive. It was great to see the girls playing such a pro-active and high tempo doubles from ball one. I hope this will give them confidence to believe they can go further in the draw this week.
Maintaining Momentum is Massive!
Another good day for the Brits. The girls were in first round singles action today with Maria Budin defeating Rebiere Dubios (FRA) 6-2, 7-5.
Managing to maintain momentum when ahead is one of the key skills these youngsters have to learn. Maria nearly paid the price after letting a set and 3-1 lead slip. However she found a quality serve to save set point at 3-5 and eventually wrapped up her first round in straight sets.
Alexandra Hunter had to work very hard to earn a three set win against Clara Vitanza (FRA) who was a powerful ball striker. Alexandra quickly worked out her game plan to go 5-3 up first set but again backed off allowing her French opponent back into the match.
Show courts at Auray
However Alexandra quickly re-grouped having allowed the first set to slip out of her grasp and fought back immediately to take control. Alexandra mixed her pace really smartly and having levelled the match at one set all, always looked the likely winner.
Winning the 'vital seventh' game at 4-2 up final set proved to be pivotal as Alexandra closed out a gutsy performance to advance to round two.
The boys also made hard work of their doubles today. Leading 6-2, 5-2 they appeared in total control but with the decisive deuce (no advantage point played) in the doubles format, the picture can very quickly change.
Suddenly Ewen and James found themselves 5-7 down in the match tie-break. However when the chips were down the Geordie/Scottish pair found a way to pull it out of the fire celebrating their win with a Bryan Brothers 'Chest Butt'.
Another full day tomorrow with both boys and girls in second round singles and doubles action.
JT and Martin
'Auray' we go . . .
The GB team were very excited by the prospect of playing in the same tournament as past champions Nadal, Murray, Clijsters, Henin and our own Maia Lumsden and Anastasia Mikheeva who won the event the last two years running. It is the premier indoor under 12 winter event with entries from Canada, Russia and the best of Europe.
GB Team feature in French newspapers
We put in a hard day's practice yesterday in a school gymnasium which had a lighting fast wood surface. These facilities offer the champions of tomorrow the chance to hone their skills for the match court. This is essential as these tournaments not only offer the highest level of competition but are also a training ground for technique and developing life skills.
The boys got off to a great start with James Parkin beating Maxence Beauge (France) 6-2 6-2 and Ewen Lumsden- Pierre Joffre 1-6, 6-2, 6-2. The girls, Alexandra Hunter and Maria Budin will begin their campaign tonight with doubles event and singles starting tomorrow.
Keep you posted . . .
Martin Reeves (boys' captain) and
John Trehearn (girls' captain)