|
|
|
Would you like to write your own article ?
Simply
email us |
Gutsy Panova outlasts Capriati
 7/1/2003
By Aidanm
For second year in a row, Jennifer Capriati fell in the opening round of the
Adidas International as the top seed. Capriati, who has now lost 6 of her last 9
matches, never seemed comfortable against the consistent Russian, spraying 39
unforced errors all over the court.
It was arguably Panova's finest career scalp, after having a habit to trouble
the big names, without beating them. It was also Panova's first victory over
Capriati, after 3 previous losses.
In the first set, Panova always had the upper hand, racing towards a 4-2 lead.
However Jennifer was able to fight back, like she so often does, and took the
first set 6-4. With the 30 degree Sydney sun shining on the court, Panova was
able to stay with Capriati in the second set. Panova took the second set 6-4,
and then the girls went for a change-of-clothes break.
In the third set, Panova made some successfully volley winners, but her
double-faults were still letting her down. The shortest player on the tour (5
foot 1), served a total of 10 double faults, but Capriati's new service style
faired worse with 14 double-faults.
Having led 3-1 in the deciding set, Panova started losing momentuem as Capriati
raced to a 4-3 lead, however she won the next 2 games and served for the match.
But the lower-ranked player got tight and lost the game.
Soon, Panova found herself serving for the match again at 6-5. She was lucky
this time as Capriati made 4 errors to lose the game to love, and finally Panova
burst into her first smile all day after match point, and rightfully clinced her
fist.
Afterwards, Panova admitted the conditions were windy and tough, so she was just
trying to keep the ball in play. Panova next faces fellow talented Russian -
Elena Bovina, or qualifier Olga Barabanschikova.
|
|