BERLIN 06: The Song Remains the Same - 網球

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BERLIN 06: The Song Remains the Same
10/05/2006:

In her first match at the Qatar Telecom German Open Justine defeated Italy's
Mara Santangelo 6-4 6-1 in 1 hour and 21 minutes. It's a different path this
year as a seeded player, and defending champion, but the song remains the
same. The world's greatest 1-handed backhand now faces Russia's Maria
Kirilenko in the 3rd round.

On the center court named after her idol Steffi Graf, the Belgian heroine
didn't face too many difficulties taking down Mara Santangelo. She started by
breaking the opponent's serve in the opening game. The Italian is at a career
high this year, and plays a spirited game, but her high standards failed to
take the crucial advantage games against a neutral gear Justine. Santangelo
attacked for many deuce games, but never truly made an impression on the
reigning Roland Garrros champion. After 52 minutes of play, Justine converted
her first set point with a sly unreadable, and unreachable passing shot to
Santangelo at 6-4.

Justine started to reveal a bit more of her usual dazzle, and galloped to a
simple 2-0 lead. The Italian's positive service holds dropped, and Justine
ran away at 4-1. Santangelo was out of ideas, as Justine looked to finish
this on her own terms, and first match point. The game, set and match went to
H-H, on her first match point in 1 hour and 21 minutes of court time.

6-4 6-1 in 1hr 21min

Justine next faces Maria Kirilenko whom visited Belgium a few weeks ago with
the Russian Fed Cup squad. Justine didn't get to play Maria K in Liege with
singles, but she has played her once before. They have met one year ago right
here at Berlin in Rd 2. The Belgian defeated the Russian in three sets 2-6
6-1 6-3.


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