posted Jan 8, 2009

I really admire Ann because she has gone about her work quietly without all the razmataz that surrounds Murray. Also, last summer all eyes were on Laura Robson which has suited her well. My fear is that when Wimbledon comes it will all change, the media will be over her like a rash - how will she cope then? She's a really level-headed girl so let's hope she takes it in her stride.

Please media - leave her alone!

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posted Jan 8, 2009

Well she's the best we've had since Jo Durie, but I don't see Anne ever getting to No5 in the World!!!

If she makes the final and gets to 44, she can already be pretty pleased with her start to the year. Winning builds confidence, so let's hope she can continue to have good runs in other tournies this year (including the AO).

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posted Jan 8, 2009

"Please media - leave her alone!"

No.
You can't have the media 'leave her alone'.

Anyway no matter what you and I may say, the media coverage will grow commensurate to Keothavong's success.

I have to say the more media coverage the better.
People generally have't a clue about the fantastic game that is tennis.
Arn't concerned in the UK, apart from Wimby, and even then its overwhelmingly for the men.

If, as a sideline, Anne's success can alert more people, first to the fantastic game, then no less important, that WOMEN actually participate and to a very high level, I'm all for it.

Women are changing the World, this will grow throughout this century and beyond.
I would love womens' tennis to be a part of the growth, a significant part of the changes.
The more the media cover womens' tennis the better.

Hey media guys, besides Anne, have you heard of Michelle Larcher de Brito and...
Laura Robson ?
Wake up!!
There's an earthquake happening!

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posted Jan 8, 2009

Replay E2 tomorrow 10.30.
Anne/Elena Vesnina's semi.

It will be Anne and World number 76 (pre-tourney, number 67 today!) Elena's first meeting.

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posted Jan 9, 2009

Well Anne lost this one in 3 sets but she put up a good fight n it lasted juss under 3 hours, still a good start for Anne n less ope she juss carries on from where she left off next time on ere,.

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posted Jan 9, 2009

"..ope she just carries on from where she left off.."

Anne has done really well.
Reached the semis for only the second time in her career on the main tour.
Moved nine places in a week in the rankings from 60 - 51.
If she could do THAT every week she'd be number one by the end of Feb!

Anne's on ES replay as I type.
Elena Vesnina (Anne's conqueror) will be in her first tour final tomorrow against compatriot Elena Dementieva (who wil be in her 25th!).

And she does 'carry on' now, to Hobart, with the main draw to be announced over the weekend.
I'm sure GB's number one will do well.
Flavia Pennetta, A-Chak and Patty Schnyder, among others, are competing in Hobart also.

You've done us all proud, Anne Keothavong.
You're sure to make the top fifty imminently and who knows from there?
in Hobart.

Anne Keothavong

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posted Jan 9, 2009

Replay E2 tomorrow 10.30.
Anne/Elena Vesnina's semi.

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posted Jan 9, 2009

conosu2 - Are you sure you are not her agent!

Keothavong has improved without a doubt and may well continue to climb the rankings. However, I think some people have somewhat exagerrated her achievements, and because of the way the rankings work, she is may be a little fortunate to be ranked where she is. No way am I convinced that there are only 50 players better than she is. Take this week for example

Lucic - as a previous poster has said, is only a shadow of what she once was and there are probably some decent county players in this country that could give her a good game.

Navarro - granted a decent win here but has done nothing of late.

Morita - clearly not fit so won by default

Vesnina - ranked 16 places below Keothavong. If she was ranked 16 places higher then you can bet your life some posters will have made more ot this.

Sorry, but I think come the time she will start having to defend points then I think she will end the year outside the top 50, probably even 60.

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posted Jan 9, 2009

I don't know dc, she doesn't have a whole load of points to defend at the end of the year and she's certainly starting this year better than 2008.

She had a couple of smaller wins towards the back end of 2008, but nothing with major points on offer, except for Krakow, which gave her 150 and reaching 3rd round of USO gave her 180.

I think she will break 50 soon and be able to maintain around 40-50 for this year.

Don't forget, the higher ranking leads to better draws and entry direct into larger Tier 1 and GS events, which automatically mean higher points for a half decent run to 3rd or 4th rounds.

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posted Jan 9, 2009

"E2 is that Eurosport 2 ? "

It is.
However, be aware I posted that yesterday and so it was E2, 10.30 today.(Friday 10.30 hrs UK time).

Anna/Elena's semi tv coverage, is scheduled to be repeated, this evening (Friday) Eurosport 1, 2100 hrs UK time.

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