by Owen Linnett
Even a few brief showers couldn’t rain on the parade on day two of the Qube Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, where spectators enjoyed three entertaining matches between top-class players.
On the court, home favourites Liam Broady and Dan Evans returned to entertain the crowd for Ladies Day.
Meanwhile off the court, alongside the exceptional hospitality there was a unique mid-afternoon fashion show featuring local activewear business Lola Starr.
Herman Hoyeraal and Broady claimed straight sets victories over Evans and Ivan Ivanov, respectively.
Herman Hoyeraal (NOR) def Dan Evans (GBR) 6-3, 6-2
The Norwegian giant earned a first singles victory on grass in just his second ever match on the surface in great style over home favourite Evans.
Hoyeraal claims to have a record serve speed of 238 km/h, and while he may not quite have hit that speed today, he was certainly close at times as he continued to dish out powerful serves that got the better of his opponent.
In fact, he saw out the match with three aces to overpower Evans, who announced he would be retiring from professional tennis following this year’s Wimbledon.
The British veteran will be hoping that the Liverpool International can help him prepare for next week, when he begins his grand slam qualifying campaign at Roehampton in a bid to play at the most iconic tournament in tennis one more time.
Hoyeraal got off to a strong start, racing into a 3-0 lead and maintaining control of the set.
However, the match was interrupted at 5-2 due to the first sight of the wonderful British weather in the form of a brief shower, before the Norwegian returned to close out the opener 6-3.
Despite the rain, the crowd stayed lively and continued to enjoy the facilities that Liverpool Cricket Club has to offer.
And before long, the sun reappeared and play continued on the Merseyside Centre Court.
The players battled it out in the second set, with the score staying on serve until the Scandinavian man won four games in a row to close play for day two of the tournament.
Liam Broady (GBR) def Ivan Ivanov (BUL) 6-4, 6-3
Broady once again featured in the match of the day and looked almost unbeatable against his Bulgarian opponent.
Despite competing against someone 15 years younger, the Brit looked fighting fit from the first serve ahead of an appearance in Wimbledon qualifying on Monday.
Ivanov, who is the reigning juniors champion in SW19, offered Broady a tough test, forcing some long rallies and even a service game with seven deuces.
The match was eventually decided by two breaks of serve – one at the very end of the first set, and the other at the beginning of the final set.
These two could face each other yet again next week, but in a more competitive setting, due to both players receiving qualifying wildcards to Wimbledon.
Despite Ivanov currently being sat at 649th in the world, he has been given automatic entry into the men’s first stage off the back of his success last summer.
Fans down South would be privileged to experience a rematch between Broady and the Bulgarian, after some exquisite drop shots and volleys that were produced in today’s match.
The Brit, who was once ranked as high as 93rd in the world rankings, even closed the game out with an impressive serve and volley routine – a method that is perfect for the grass court season.
What to expect tomorrow?
The Qube Liverpool International Tennis Tournament returns tomorrow for its final day this year – and it is set to be just as good as, if not better than the previous two days of action.
In the feature match of the tournament, fans can see two British legends, Evans and Broady, face off in what promises to be a fun contest between two close friends.
Prior to that, there will be another mix doubles match, Wirral against Liverpool from local lawn tennis clubs.
And of course, it is a Saturday, so the atmosphere will only continue to get better at the Liverpool International, where fans can enjoy top-class tennis and elite hospitality.
