Saddique was no big surprise and was one of the odds- makers favourite to cop the first title on tour for 2012. He had to grind out his semi-final win over Mark who got the better of a ‘game-troubled’ Ewan who’ll be looking to make adjustments based on his press conference interview after the match. Saddique had a shaky start and a pretty tentative match for the most part as he tried his best to settle in. He stayed calm when he needed to and did all that he could to come out with a 63 63 victory and earning him the title of the ‘Tier 3 King’ having won only two tier 3 tournaments on tour in his career thus far.

Shadaine stormed to the finals of his comeback tournament like he promised. He had to grind out two tough 3sets win however to do so. In his semi-final match he outlasted Deuce in a grueling 57 62 15-13 after taking down Ricardo in the quarter-finals. However, the length of his matches and the tremendous amount of work that Douglas has to do has us wondering about his chances of a full and deep run into a tournament especially that of a grandslam event where he has to play a number of matches within a relatively short tenure. Self belief has prevailed along with a strong backing of his countryman Angus who’ll be looking forward to Spain’s dominance atop the rankings on tour. Douglas was always going to find the going hard against Saddique but he should feel more confident to have shaken off some rust going into the open.

 All in all, Doha was a decent start to the season. It is fair to say that the tour is competitive but not fierce and this stance can be attributed to the ‘Wozniacki’ style game currently on tour. Players are so caught up with winning at all costs that they forget the real aim fun while we elevate our games. Is it the fear of losing? Bragging rights? Whatever it is it sure ain’t awesome tennis to watch with two people rolling the balls in the service boxes just to win. See where I’m coming from? Where’s the fire? We want to see top class tennis on tour by Roland Garros.

While we concede that there are different playing styles in tennis we respect each player’s game but TJTC wants a display of high level tennis all across the board. Yes, we concur that being tactical is entertaining but we need to see more aggression and people approaching the tour as if it’s the real deal. We want or players to feel like real tennis athletes via tjtc.

Doha was all about who could keep the ball longest within the limits of the court and I guess with all due respect the two players who are best at this skill from both sides of the draw has earned their places in the finals. Cheers to them but I urge my tour mates to get their heads in the game, look to enhance various aspects of their game and have a little fun will ya?