2011 ASB Classic: Marina Erakovic – Sofia Arvidsson advance into semis
Marina Erakovic along with her doubles partner Sofia Arvidsson made their way into the semi-final round of the 2011 ASB Classic women’s doubles event on Thursday.
The Kiwi – Swede tandem confirmed their spot in the final four round after getting the better of tournament’s second seed pair of Vladimira Uhlirova and Natalie Grandin in two sets. The final match score was 7-6,
6-3.
Earlier in the morning, Edina Gallovits and Alize Cornet also reached the semis at the ASB Classic after brushing aside Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Liga Dekmeijere in straight sets. The final score line was 6-4, 6-2.
Marina and Sofia started off their doubles match quite confidently and were fully supported by the crowd. The opening set was a tight one and Vladimira Uhlirova along with her partner Natalie Grandin also put up a good fight, however,
in the end they were taken down by the Kiwi – Swede pair, 7-6.
After winning the opening set, the pair looked much more confident and relaxed and thus further improved their game by playing impressive shots on the court. They did not let their opponents recover in the decisive set and thus
sealed win in the end.
The duo will take on Edina Gallovits of Romania and Alize Cornet from France to advance into the title battle at the doubles event in Auckland.
“We have a very good chance at a win. I like to play doubles. It is not my number one priority but it is a great game and I tend to do well in it,” said Marina after the match.
Marina earlier bundled out of the singles event in her opening round match on Tuesday at the hands of Elena Vesnina. World number 333, as a result, failed to go beyond the first round in the singles event on the second occasion
in her last six appearances.
The New Zealander, however, is looking in good shape at the doubles event and will likely end up her tournament’s campaign on a positive note.
Marina is playing at the ASB Classic as a warm-up event prior to her participation in the year’s opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open starting later this month. She will pair up with Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand to play in
the Melbourne event.
Tags: