15th seed

Late decision to add Geneva to the tournament schedule.

Going against the strategy of not playing tournaments in the week before a Grand Slam.

Felt more important to have matches under the belt.

Have played and won first up.

Am asked, what is the biggest problem facing tennis today and think the answer may surprise.

15th seed

15th seed

The life of a professional athlete can be challenging.

A first match loss means few ATP ranking points, little prize money and not matches under the belt in the lead up to a Grand Slam event.

There are players who excel on certain surfaces. Clay in particular. Rankings are not particularly relevant when meeting an opponent on that preferred surface. This was the case.

There is the need to be flexible. As a result of the loss, the tournament schedule is altered. Now off to Geneva which had not been in the plans. There is a need to play more matches.

The 15th seed

15th seed

In Rome feeling poorly.

Rest prescribed and am off the court in the lead up.

With a bye first round should be ready to go when my first match is scheduled.

With the prospect of medication need to be aware of the (appropriate & necessary) WADA rules. Touch on drug testing & the need to advise of your whereabouts during the year.

Until the first round, thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.

the 15th seed

15th seed

Wins as many games, more points, one service break each ........ & lose!

These are the fine margins that can impact a year, rankings & of course prize money.

This is a match that got away ..............

One more tournament on clay before the next Grand Slam event at Roland Garros.

Needs to be a good one.

So off to Rome, to get used to the heat and the court.

Until then .... thank you balls people, thank you Hawkeye.

the 15th seed

15th seed

22 April 2024

Madrid, Spain.

On the eve of a Masters 1000 event which boasts both Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz plus the return of five times winner Raffa Nadal.

We answer the question of the pace of the various clay surfaces in Europe, start thinking of the distribution of prize money in tennis before looking at the draw.

A bye first round so uncertain at this time as to whom will be playing.

It is a time of the year that look forward to and am in a wonderful city ..... with the courts at the "la Casa Magic" sports complex in the Spanish capital.

Until the first match ...... thank you ball people, thank you Hawkeye.

the 15th seed.

15th seed

Just been given a clay court tennis lesson by Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Straight set loss.

Horses for courses, and certain players for certain surfaces.

The slow clay courts of Monte Carlo suit Stefanos perfectly and he has made the most of it.

Not sure whether he can win the tournament as most likely would have to play Novak Djokovic if he get past Jannik Sinner - but would not discount. Will watch his progress with interest.

Overall satisfied with the tournament. 200 ATP points the reward.

Until Madrid - thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.

The 15th seed

15th seed

The first clay court tournament for the year.

Monte Carlo no less. Spectacular venue

Had a first round victory.

In this episode play a South American clay court specialist and after a good win, sets up a match against a top ten player.

Need to compete with players of this standard if to maintain or advance the 15th seed ranking.

Thank you for coming on the journey of the 15th seed throughout the 2024 tennis calendar.

Thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.

The 15th seed

Players ready, play ..............

At Monte Carlo, the first clay court tournament of the 2024 season for the 15th Seed.

First match under the belt. A successful outcome but with a challenging draw ahead with most of the best players in attendance. And why not. A Masters 1000 event in a superb location.

The 15th Seed expands on the assessment of Nick Kyrgios from the last podcast as a result of feedback.

If you wish to join the debate, feel free to do so by email to "idealinsport@gmail.com".

Until the next round ....... thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.

The 15th Seed