Kimiko makes it past first round before tripping at Beijing
At an age where most professional tennis players have not only considered retiring, but have given up the game entirely, Kimiko Date Krumm is a rare exception in the world of this sport. She recently turned 40 years old, celebrating the eve of her birthday
at the 2010 Toray Pan Pacific Open by defeating World Number 13 Maria Sharapova, the defending champion, in the first round with a final score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.
On the day she turned 40, the Japanese star walked over Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova in the second round when she retired from the game in the third set, which Kimiko Date Krumm was leading. Date Krumm progressed to the third round before falling to fifth
seed, French Open champion Francesca Schiavone at 3-6, 3-6.
When asked about her commitment to the game at this age, Kimiko Date Krumm says, “I like a challenge. Everybody is asking me what my motivation is, and I'm just enjoying tennis and enjoying travelling on the tour.”
During the 2010 China Open this week at Beijing, the 40 year old pro was the oldest player at the tournament. She managed to breeze past her first opponent, Spanish Anabel Medina Garrigues, in straight sets 6-0, 6-4.
Date Krumm broke three times in a row, and beat 28 year old Garrigues in a 6 love set with the opening of the match. Although Garrigues attempted to climb back up, winning her first game by holding service in the second set, transferring the score to 3-1.
However, she feel back in the 9th game and lost control, shouting at herself in frustration. Although she managed to save two match points, she lost the third one, losing the second set with 6-4.
When asked about her opponent’s performance, Date Krumm commented, “She of course is a very tough player, using many spin balls. So I just don't put pressure on myself, focusing on the ball and not thinking too much of the match.”
However, Date Krumm’s streak did not last very long; in her second round match with 7th
seed Elena Dementieva, she suffered an unpredictable defeat, losing the game in a three set upset with the final tally being 3-6, 6-1, 3-6. Kimiko however seems to have predicted that this challenge would be difficult for her.
Recapping a match they had played before the US Open, she said, “I was leading 2-0 in the second set and I made some mistakes and a double fault on a big, big point. It was the first time she played me, and I think she was confused a little bit. This time
she will adjust much more from the beginning. There are important tactics for me. I'll try my best."
However, the Japanese Number 1 does not seem to plan on going down so soon, saying, “I'm 40 and most people are only half my age. I'm usually asked about my age... but this year my ranking is up to 50 or 60, and I can play the main draws of the Grand Slams.
It's very fun. I'm going to try to continue for another year or two.”
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