Doha 07 - Cliffhanger - 網球

Doha 07 - Cliffhanger

02/03/2007:

Justine survived another tournament cliffhanger by defeating Patty Schnyder
(WTA #13) from 2-4 down in the third set. The daring Belgian saved a match
point, and won the last 11 points in a row to win the match 3-6 6-4 7-5.
Justine will next play Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals starting today at
17:00 hrs (Doha).

"It was tough today, she really pushed me; I was lucky on a few points at
crucial moments"- Justine on Patty in the quarterfinal


Justine took on Patty Schynder, the WTA tour's crafty lefthander that works
magic with extreme topspin shots. The Swiss has defeated Justine in Charleston
last year, and this match wasn't taken lightly by the Belgian. The Doha court
is slower than Dubai, and it accentuated her Pattys' trademark style of topspin
rallies to neutralize Justine cutting edge shots. The Swiss took the first set
3-6.

Justine found a way back into the second set, despite Patty raising her level
of play. Stronger serves, and working along the pace of the Swiss rallies
directed mainly to the backhand, Justine moved forwards to take things into a
third set.


"I am really happy to be in the semifinals - tomorrow will be another tough.
Jankovic is a real fighter and is very talented" - Justine on the Friday SF


The match couldn't get anymore dangerous for Henin fans, when Justine fell
behind in games at 2-4. But Justine's nerves of steel, and a pair of lucky
netcord on Patty's match point cleared the way. The multi-grand slam winner
won the next consecutive 11 points, and broke the final Schynder game to take
her first match point.



Final score 3-6 6-4 7-5



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