June 10th-17th sees a quality field heading to the ITF Fuzion 100 event at the Northern Lawn Tennis Club, in Didsbury.
Katie Boulter Could use this Event as Steeping Stone to WTA Tour
The 2nd week of the grass court season underlines the moving focus towards Wimbledon. Last year’s winner Zarina Diyas, along with Aleksandra Krunic and Aryna Sabalenka used the Aegon Manchester Trophy, as stepping-stone to WTA tour. They are now regulars on the WTA. Britain’s emerging young talent, Katie Boulter–currently ranked #163–is amongst those looking to follow in their footsteps. After an impressive victory on the ITF Tour in the $60,000 Fukuoka last month, she is steadily on the rise.
Brit-pack Attack Including Naomi Broady & Katie Boulter
Local lass, Stockport’s own Naomi Broady made the semifinals here last year. In doing so she arrested a winless grass-court streak. She is popular with the home crowd and will look to bolster her chances of making it to Wimbledon. Currently seeded #7, Broady has had an unspectacular season so far. However, this could change with the Manchester crowd behind her, and a few confidence boosting victories.
Broady lost to Katie Boulter in the above mentioned Fukuoka Event. A rivalry could be blossoming, as each player will look to chase down the out-of-form Heather Watson’s Fed’ Cup spot. Especially as Britain are edging closer and closer to world group participation.
Strong International Field including Jennifer Brady and Viktorija Golubic
American and #1 seed, Jennifer Brady, and #3 seed Golubic from Switzerland make this a strong event. Both players participate frequently on the main tour and main draw of Slams. Brady holds a grass court victory over Golubic early on at Southsea last year.
The American would be the one to beat, but a 1-4 recent record, leaves her struggling for confidence. Whereas, Golubic looked impressive in French Open qualifying, winning three straight matches. Before losing to Caroline Dolehide in the first round and is not a natural grass court player. She is making good progress in her current 125K tournament in Croatia.
Grass Roots Tennis Extravaganza
With the World #83 taking part this year, on paper the standard is even better than last year. This means that making the semis here, can give the confidence boost for a decent grass court season. A good home country showing will help arrest doubts about the strength in depth of the British women’s game.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
