WTA Championships 06 - Alive and Kicking! - 網球

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WTA Championships 06 - Alive and Kicking!
09/11/2006:

Justine continued her splashy return to the WTA Championships by taking down
the in form indoor season player Nadia Petrova 6-4 6-4, and officially
qualifying to the semi-finals. The Belgian tennis icon will play Amelie
Mauresmo next at 18:00 hrs on Friday. The outcome of this match will not only
determine if Martina Hingis makes it to the semi-finals, but the placement of
the race for #1 players in the weekend finale.


Although, it wasn't a tiring match , Petrova is a girl who doesn't leave you
much air to breathe. In the first set I was very aggressive, but felt tired.
I lost a bit of energy in the beginning of the second set, but I succeeded in
returning back into the match. I'm very happy today with my form because I
only played two matches indoors, and I'm in the semi-finals. It's important
to be relaxed, unaffected, and serene" - Justine


The berth to semi-finals Saturday was up the prize for this match, but
Justine was also out for a bit of payback to Nadia since losing their Berlin
final back in May. The Belgian showed the Russian who's boss. Nadia started
out quickly at 0-2. Alot of heavy offensive net charging play from the
Russian, but Justine was ready for the duelling nature of this match. Double
H swashbuckled her way past Petrova at 4-2, and never looked back. Poor line
calling didn't stop the momentum as Justine won her video replay challenges
on very crucial advantage points. Solid serves from Nadia weren't enough to
hold back Justine. The first set went to the Belgian heroine 6-4.


A very stubborn Petrova refused to go away quietly. The first six games were
highly contended on serve, but Justine pushed forward in the seventh and
didn't give Nadia a second look. The second and final set was Justine's at
6-4.


"I will continue to live from day to day. It's what I've been doing really
well here. It gave me alot of pleasure being on court in these last two
matches. I'll continue without pausing, or asking questions of myself. I have
alot of motivation. I give all of myself within the context of the highs and
lows, but that's the way it is. I will try to concentrate on myself, and all
the positive things. Tomorrow's match may determine the first place of the
group or not, but I will give it my best again. I have a semi-final to
prepare, and to win another match can only bring me more confidence" -
Justine



Final Score 6-4 6-4 in 1hr 28 min and 56 sec.


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