SYDNEY: Titanic 13th - 網球

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SYDNEY: Titanic 13th
13/01/2006:

Justine battled on Friday the 13th in the finals of the Medibank
International to defeat Italian Francesca Schiavone. It was a titanic battle
that lasted 3 hours, 2 minutes and 41 seconds 4-6 7-5 7-5. Tensions were
high, and a dramatic stop of play for a mini rain delay when Justine was
about to serve for the match at 15-0 in the final set added to the
rollercoaster ride.

Justine's semi-final form was highly impressive. Lack of match tournaments
finally reared it's ugly head in the final. A nervy, excited, favoured to win
Justine, battled with Italy's Francesca Schiavone who defeated big serving
young Czech Nicole Vaidaisova in other semi-final the previous day. In a
surprising first set the Italian won all of her service games, and watched
the erratic Belgian unravel on unforced errors, and serving faults. Gasps all
around, and the first set went to Schiavone 4-6 in 46 minutes.

The second set looked to be over with Schiavone leading 1-4, but the
character, grit, and resilience that marks Justine reputation in the tennis
world came forth. Fighting with her back against the wall, the Belgian broke
the Italian, and continued to battle as if every point was a matchpoint
against herself. The second set went to Justine 7-5 at 66 minutes.

The match had turned into a spectacle with the clock now officially nearing
the two hour mark. Set number three continued in the same vein as the second,
long rallies, deuce games, and do or die determination on every point.
Justine seemed again to be on the brink of defeat of her Australian winning
streak at 3-5 down, but fought, converted, and levelled at 5-5. She broke
again, and was about to serve for the set, when the biggest surprise of the
night happened, a mini rain delay at 6-5 15-0. The two players returned, and
Justine served out her matchpoints. Set number three, 7-5 in 70 minutes.


Final Score: 4-6 7-5 7-5 in 3 hrs 2 mins. 41 sec

Justine has returned to the tour, and Friday the 13th nor rain can stop her.
Good luck in Melbourne!


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