AUSTRALIAN OPEN: A Story Of Two Different Struggles - 網球

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AUSTRALIAN OPEN: A Story Of Two Different Struggles
18/01/2006:

In her first match on Rod Laver Arena,Justine defeated Hana Sromova 7-6(7-2)
6-1. It was a story of two different struggles, Justine on a very off day
misfiring, and Sromova fighting off the pain from a buckled ankle sustained
in the beginning of the second set.

Hana Sromova is usually found on the ITF tennis circuit, a tour level below
the WTA. The 27 year old Czech player is old school as oppose to the crash or
burn heavy hitting of new school WTA, and it clearly made things difficult
for Justine today. Sromova started the set on serve, and despite having a
tepid weaker serve, played concise, measured, patient tennis. The Czech gave
Justine nothing to pounce on, there was always one more floating tennis ball
returning back to the Belgian. The pace of the game was very slow, and a
visibly irritated Justine didn't make things easier for herself, with messy
service games. Chastising herself for poor play throughout the first set,
nonetheless, Justine won the tiebreak. 7-6(7-2) in 58 minutes

Poor irked play by the 4x grand slam champion, despite winning the first set,
continued in her opening service game. Sromova buckled, and twisted her ankle
during a rally at 1-1. The Czech then bravely continued to play, limp on,
till the conclusion of the second set. A very painful match for the
spectators, and partisan Justine fans alike to witness. 6-1 in the second set
at 41 minutes.

Final Score 7-6(7-2) 6-1 in 1hr 39 minutes

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