Tennis Chatter

International Women’s Open Final

J. Henin defeats A. Mauresmo 7-5, 6-7, 7-6

This match was a real nail-biter, with Henin and Mauresmo trading breaks back and forth. Mauresmo broke early to gain a 3-1 lead in the first set, but Henin was too tough, breaking back twice. In the second set it was Henin with an early break, and Mauresmo who had to fight her way back. Henin broke in the third set and was up 5-4 on serve, but once again, Mauresmo broke back forcing a tie breaker. Henin won the tie breaker and took her fifth title of the year. Henin and Mauresmo are in different halves of the Wimbledon draw, creating an opportunity for another exciting final between the two players.

Ordina Open Women’s Final

A. Chakvetadze defeats J. Jankovic 7-6, 3-6, 6-3

Interesting match here, the first set was interrupted four times by rain. To add to that, Chakvetadze got out to a 5-0 lead, only to allow Jankovic back into it, forcing a tie break. Chakvetadze held on to win the first set, and was able to pull out the third set against a less than 100% Jankovic. Several reports I read, indicated Jankovic was having thigh problems. Hopefully she’ll be fit by first round of Wimbledon. This was Chakvetadze’s second title of the year.

Ordina Open Men’s Final

I. Ljubicic defeats P. Wessels 7-6, 4-6, 7-6

Nottingham Final

I. Karlovic defeats A. Clement 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

Of the match and his current form Karlovic said:

“To tell the truth I didn’t really expect to win. I came here to play a few matches, I was the last player in the draw.”

“I was injured last year for six months and I did not really have very good preparations for this year but so far it is my best year.”

“In the first set I was a little bit nervous. I missed a few easy volleys but after that I was more relaxed and concentrated more and that was the only difference.”

“I felt I was playing well the whole match and the whole week and somebody has to win.”