Lina Through to the 3^rd Round

6-3 4-6 6-3

Another day, another win and onto the next round for Lina. This time the Russian has overcome Czech starlet Barbora Strycova in a hard fought 3 setter on court 19 at the Australian Open.

This victory was certainly tougher than many would have thought, Strycova put up a brave fight and didn’t let Lina dictate play. In fact the final result was in doubt after the 2^nd set was taken 6-4 by the Czech player. In the end though Lina’s quality and experience shone through as she wrapped up the 3^rd set 6-3 booking a place in the 3^rd round. She will now face another surprise player at this year’s tournament, 15 year old Tatiana Golovin of France.

Tatiana Golovin

Age - 15

Highest Ranking position – 345 (2003)

Aus Open Record – N/A

WTA Tour titles – 0

ITF Circuit Titles – 0

Previous Match – Win against Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi, 6-2 6-3

3rd Round Preview

Just as with Lina’s previous match against Strycova, her opponent will be an unknown quantity. Golovin should not be taken lightly though and Lina will know this. The 15 year old French lady obviously has a liking for the courts here in Melbourne as her 2 set victory over Smashnova-Pistolesi shows. Beating the Israeli in such fine fashion was a very impressive result and will send a clear message to Lina, underestimate me and you will lose. So Lina will have to play at her best if she wants to survive this contest and a win here will of course set up a huge match for Krasnoroutskaya, a 4^th Round clash with Venus Williams.

Whether or not Lina gets the chance to play Venus is all down to her and her ability to handle the vibrant fearless play of Golovin. Once again Lina will go into this match as the clear favourite playing against the player with absolutely nothing to lose. In the 2^nd round facing similar circumstances she faltered a little but eventually pulled through, will she be able to handle the same situation again? I believe the answer is a resounding Yes.

My prediction therefore is a 2 set win for the Russian, 6-4 6-3.

This then will hopefully give Lina the chance to play one of the worlds elite players in Venus Williams, a tough match for sure but a victory is not out of her reach.

Good Luck Lina

Richard Paveley

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