INDIAN WELLS: Sunday Girl - 網球

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INDIAN WELLS: Sunday Girl
13/03/2006:

After two days of rain delays Justine made her return to Indian Wells a
winning one a day later than originally scheduled. The Belgian champ showed
her experience, and shot making skills amid windy conditions, and a spirited
challenger from Bulgarian youngster Tszvetana Pironkova 6-2 6-2 in 91 minutes.

Justine knew to be wary of rookie Pironkova. The Bulgarian came into
spotlight at the Australian Open in January taking down Venus Williams in a
three set roller coster ride thriller with a mental maturity far from her
experience in the crucial last set tie breaker 9-7.

The usually ideal Indian Wells conditions weren't there this weekend, but
Justine let Pironkova know from the beginning, and to the very end of the
match what playing an elite player is truly like. The young Bulgarian barely
won breakpoints in this second rounder. The Belgian started aggressive, and
raced to a 3-0 lead. She showed her wide range of shot making styles, as the
Bulgarian tried to penetrate to no avail. It wasn't perfect tennis by
Justine, but she headed toward a 5-1 lead with Pironkova still unable to win
deuce games. Pironkova managed to win another game, finally able to get a bit
of Justine's constant all court shots, but it ends at 6-2 in 45 minutes.

Justine started the second set breaking Pironkova, but as usual in her early
round matches, there were messy errors mixed in with solid winning points to
4-0. Creative net play from Justine as she steered to the finish, despite the
Bulgarian finally winning two games in succession, and clinging on for dear
life. 6-2 in 46 minutes to the 2004 Indian Wells trophy winner.

Score final: 6-2 6-2 in 1h31

Justine takes on Aiko Nakamura this Monday
On Monday at Indian Wells, Justine faces Japan's Aiko Nakamura ranked WTA
#66. This will be their first meeting. Nakamura defeated veteran Brenda
Schultz-McCarthy in the first round, and Mara Santangelo in second round.
We'll have match time details, and more later right here at
www.henin-hardenne.be


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