Thursday, March 15, 2007

Ouch, that's gotta hurt!

Catching up on some tennis news while staying home sick (feeling like total crap of course). I didn't realize this but poor Martina lost to Daniela Hantuchova 2 times in a row in 2 different tournaments. First she lost to her in Qatar and then Pacific Life Open.

Now for Qatar she put up quite a fight and was actually totally in control of the match in the beginning until about the middle of the second set. Then she seemed to loose her concentration, perhaps got a little frustrated and started rushing. That's when the unforced errors started creeping in. She ended up loosing in 3 sets 6/1 4/6 4/6. In both tournaments though I don't think Martina was overpowered or anything like that, she just seemed to give up at certain points.

But like I said despite the loss she played some magnificent tennis, some of the best I've seen her play in a while. Long rallies, amazing drop shots, volleys, you name it she did it. It was an absolute joy to watch. As it always is for me whenever she plays. Yes, a bit disappointing she didn't win since the match really was in her grasp. But outstanding tennis nonetheless.

Unfortunately to add insult to injury she lost to Hantuchova in 2 sets at Pacific Life Open. My guess is probably because by that point Hantuchova really had a game plan against Hingis having played her only a week before. And the 2 of them know each others games so well, that I guess it really was a no brainer for Hantuchova.

Hingis can't be happy though, I don't think she likes loosing to the same players twice in the same year much less the same month. Here's hoping these two meet for a 3rd time, so Hingis can really get her revenge. Miami is coming up at the end of March wonder if Hantochova has entered that tournament yet.

Hopefully Martina won't let these losses rattle her too much and kicks butt in Miami. I wish her all the best.

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