Re: Tennis - Zurich Open 2008
Ana edged out by Venus
October 18, 2008 / Zurich, Switzerland
In a high-quality thriller of a match, Ana was narrowly beaten 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 by seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the semi-finals of the Tennis.com Zurich Open.
Although the scoreboard said she lost, this match represented something of a victory for the world No.4 as she produced arguably her best performance since winning the French Open in June. She seemingly put her recent injuries troubles behind her as she went toe-to-toe with one of the game’s all-time greats.
The beginning of the match suggested nothing of the brilliant attacking play from Ana that was to follow. She started nervously, shanking a number of balls and getting broken fairly easily. Williams led 3-0.
However, Ana soon found her rhythm and drew errors out of the American, while hitting a succession of booming crosscourt backhands. She broke back in the fifth game.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, which included a large Serbian following, Ana got on top. She exuded confidence as she crushed both her forehand and backhand and earned another break in the seventh game. She served out the set.
The second set followed a similar pattern, although Williams moved into a 2-0 lead thanks to her brilliance rather than any loss of form from the 20-year-old.
Ana hit back superbly, winning a point at the net with a majestic drop volley that had some of the crowd on their feet. It was marvellous afternoon entertainment.
Both players attacked and put the other under pressure. Williams hit to a great depth, but Ana refused to go on the back foot. Her forehand was at times blistering.
However, the American former world No.1 was unrelenting and she earned a key break in the sixth game and another break two games later. Ana won one of them back but Williams was not to be denied. The match headed into a decider.
Williams was serving superbly. She didn’t allow Ana a single break during during the third set, while Ana had to fight off several. Eventually the relentless pressure told and, despite more great net play by the second seed, Williams broke to lead 4-3.
Serving at 3-5, Ana was on the precipice. She faced three match points at 0-40 but saved them all, one with a fearless forehand winner.
However, four first serves in the following game by the 28-year-old American were more than any player could cope with, and they clinched a most satisfying victory for the five-time Wimbledon champion.
“Ana played a great, aggressive game today,” said Williams. “She came very close but I hope my experience was what got me through.”
Ana will now head to Austria for the Generali Ladies Linz tournament.
Ana’s quotes to follow
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