Johanna Konta has been taking all the British media attention making the Final in the WTA Nottingham. However, a 23-year-old from Hemel Hempstead, Katy Dunne has been making great progress through the qualifiers in Birmingham, at the Nature Valley Classic event. Dunne is one win away from a laudable main draw slot.
French woman Océane Dodin stands in Katy's way
Hardworking victories over world ranked 85, Natalia Vikhlyantseva and fellow Brit, Jodie Burrage has earned Katy Dunne this shot at the big-time. There is no head-to-head between Dunne and her next opponent Océane Dodin.
However, Dodin is coming back to full strength having struggled with injury this year.
Dodin beat the number one seed in qualifying, Camila Giorgi. This is impressive form and Katy will need to come out with all guns blazing to unsettle her opponent. Dodin is ranked 37 places higher than Dunne. Arguably, were it not for injury - Dodin would have been ranked even higher.
Dunne needs to up-tempo on her first serve
Katy's first serve percentage has hovered around 60% for her few grass court matches this year. It represents an area for improvement, as Dunne's 2nd serve is imminently attackable. Putting more pressure on her opponent with a higher percentage of first serves in, will help her take control of key points.
It is something that will definitely be required if she is to make progress in the main draw, let alone get there.
This focus area was born out in the Fuzion 100 Manchester Trophy last week. Whereby, Dunne crashed out of the ITF event in the first round to American, Nicole Gibbs. It was a tense three-set match. With more big match experience Dunne will find the mental toughness to get through these matches.
Eyeing a Federation Cup spot
With Britain's women just missing out on World Group qualification in the Federation Cup this year there will be increasing competition for places. Konta, if fit, is a certainty. However, with Heather Watson being out of sorts lately, there is potentially a singles slot up for grabs. Dunne should focus on chasing that down, as it is within her gift.
Wimbledon qualification is on Katy's mind
Dunne's last two experiences at Wimbledon have been confined to the qualifiers. One win in three matches left her shy of main draw participation. A good showing in Birmingham, will not only give her a shot at a wildcard it will also give her the needed impetus to take into Wimbledon qualifying. A boost is needed to British women's tennis right now - Katy Dunne could provide it.
