Australian Open 2008 - Middle Gear - 網球

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Australian Open 2008 - Middle Gear
16/01/2008:

Justine made her way into Friday's third round by defeating Russian Olga
Poutchkova 6-1 7-5. The first set was a Belgian serve and volley clinic for
the Wednesday Rod Laver Arena crowd, but she downshifted to middle gear and
gave Poutchkova a glittery gift pass back into the match. The former top 30
Russian player showed fine hitting in the second set, but vulnerable second
serves ended the tension for Henin fans as Justine claimed her third match
point. The regal Belgian will play Italy's Francesca Schiavone on Friday.

This was the first meeting between Justine and Olga Poutchkova. The Russian
was ranked high as #32 last season, but slumped to her current #97. The early
rounds, and especially an under ranked unseen player is always a knotty
challenge for the elites of the tennis world. Justine started on fire and
gave a dazzling Henin style flash and dash of serve to volley in the first
set. Poutchkova didn't get a look in and the first set was over in 22
minutes.

The Melbourne weather conditions changed. From overcast and cool to hotter
and noonday sun glare. One side of the court at Rod Laver Arena in particular
caused problems for both players with ball tosses, and returns.

Justine downshifted to a middle gear in the second set, and the Russian found
the clean hitting form that took her to the top 30 last year. Accurate, and
smooth two-handed down the line winners were the Russian winning sparks.
Justine too busy with fine tuning her own arsenal of shots unsighted a few
returns and lost the momentum till the score became 5-5. A bit of digging out
from the trenches, and the pressure was back onto the Russian. The big
occassion finally got to Poutckova as she conceded service holds to give
Justine her third match point.

Final Score 6-1 7-5 in 1hr 23min


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