Daniela in Filderstadt

By: Jessie Lin

            The wait has come to an end for Daniela fans, she will be starting her indoor season this week.  She is playing for the first time after the US Open this week in Filderstadt.  Even though Daniela had the heart-breaking lost to Schnyder in the third round of the US Open, we can see that Daniela has improved in her game.  She is playing smarter, attacking more, but of course she’s still lacking that confidence to close the match out.

            The top seed at Filderstadt this year is the nearly crowned #1 player in the world, Amelie Mauresmo.  The tournament started with a really strong field, but many top seeds have pulled out, including Justine Henin-Hardenne, Serena Wiliams, and Jennifer Capriati.  But the tournament is still jam packed with tough players. 

            Last year Daniela reached the second round losing to eventual champion Kim Clijsters in straight sets.  And she will have to play extremely well if she wants to get farther than the second round this year.  Daniela is not seeded this year and will play a qualifier in the first round.  If she can get through that, she will likely to play the #7th seed Nadia Petrova in the second round.

            In doubles, Daniela partnered up with former #1 player, Arantxa Sanchez-Vacario.  They will play the 4^th seed team of Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva.

            Daniela has had her fans guessing on her form.  It’s been nearly a month since she’s played competitive tennis, and it’s hard to predict what kind of form she will be in.   My prediction is that she will reach the second round before losing in a three setter to Nadia Petrova.  I don’t think she’s ready yet for a win over Petrova.  But hopefully, this tournament will be a good starting point for a great indoor season!  Best of luck to Daniela!