BERLIN 06: Wearing and Tearing - 網球

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BERLIN 06: Wearing and Tearing
12/05/2006:

On a sunny late Friday afternoon in Berlin, Justine defeated Russian Svetlana
Kuznetsova 6-4 7-6(7-2) to reach; yet again the German Open semi-finals. This
quarterfinal was a match similar in color to their tighter scoreline battles,
where points were very confrontational; yet moments of brilliance had a look
in.


This was Justine and Svetlana's 11th career meeting. The dashing Belgian has
won 9 out of 10 heading into Friday's match. Kuznetsova played an edgy hit,
miss, and return game handing Justine at one point, a 5-1 lead. The Russian
caught up, courtesy of very loose games from Justine. But, the world's
greatest 1-handed backhander was steadier, and Justine won the set 6-4, in
the nick of time. Svetlana finally seemed to have found her shooting range
after alot of wear, and tear tennis.

The Russian started the second set solid, and head strong. Justine was behind
a game throughout the set, until 6-6. The quality of the match also launched
skyward as Justine dared Kuznetsova to be braver, and stronger. The heavy
pounding, and bashing forehands from the Russian wasn't enough, as the Roland
Garros champion's usage of clever magical passing shots, slices, and more
subtle variety steered the way. Justine passed Svetlana with ease at 7-2 for
the breaker.

Final Score 6-4 7-6(7-2) in 1 hour and 56 minutes


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