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Lina Match Review
Rogers AT&T Cup - Toronto Lina Krasnoroutskaya V Kim Clijsters 1-6 6-4 6-1 "I'm very surprised," said Lina, she is not the only one after she pulled off a magnificant victory over world number 1 Kim Clijsters in Toronto today. After some indifferent form of late (losing to 14 year old Kutuzova in LA) most people were expecting an on fire Clijsters to brush the young Russian aside. World Number 1 against world number 41 - to most people it was a foregone conclusion but as fans of Lina will know, on her day Lina can compete with any player on the tour. The Match Kim walked onto court today probably thinking the match would be an easy affair and after a 19minute first set, who could blame her. The world number 1 set about the task in hand showing the skills and power that made her into the best player on tour at the moment. Lina was having real trouble competing with her and was in danger of letting the match go by before it had even started. With the first set passing so quickly everyone expected the next set to follow suit, however Lina had other plans. Kim lost her serve in the 4th game of the set and Krasnoroutskaya took control, using her excellent backhand shots to wear down Kim Lina took the set 6-4. Poised at 1 set each and with the 3rd set underway, Kim began showing signs of tiredness and fatigue. She was missing a lot more shots and her unforced error count was steadily rising. Take nothing away from Lina though, she battled hard and maintained her high level of shotmaking, forcing Kim to work harder and harder to stay in the points and in the match itself. In the end Kim had nothing left to offer in the final set and Krasnoroutskaya closed out the set and match, winning the final set 6-1. In Conclusion This was a fantastic win for Lina - perhaps the biggest of her career, her confidence levels will be sky high for her next match. Looking at it in a broader sense though the result today will show the tennis world that Lina has a big part to play in the future of womens tennis, barring injury she has the ability to reach the top 10 and perhaps go higher. Her ranking should show a good improvement and with performances like the one today against Kim, a top 20 place in the not too distant future is an acheivable target. Next Round Lina's next opponent is Katarina Srebotnik. Ranked 43 in the world the Slovak player will not be an easy opponent for Lina. With her success though over Kim Krasnoroutskaya will be feeling strong and full of confidence, which is why i see this match going to the young Russian. If lina does progress past Srebotnik she could face a tough semi final against Vera Zvonereva - who beat Jelena dokic today. This match is certainly winnable though for Lina, if things go to plan a final against Henin-Hardenne is on the cards and after beating Kim that final place is a real possibility.
Well Done Lina!
Richard Paveley Visit the Lina Krasnoroutskaya page here
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