Sabine Lisicki edges past Mona Barthel into the last eight – ASB Classic 2012
ASB Classic tournament’s second round enthralling encounter between the two German contestants, top seed Sabine Lisicki and Mona Barthel, ended in the favour of the powerful 22-years-old, Lisicki. The match was played on hard courts
in Auckland, New Zealand and lasted for two hours 23 minutes before the final scores were settled in favour of top seed at 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-3.
The first encounter between the two breathtaking performers seemed to have laid the foundation for arch rivalry in the future. The marathon encounter was one of the best in the history of Auckland tournament, as both players were
not ready to give up at any stage despite and fought rigorously throughout the match.
The two players started the proceedings in grand fashion having exchanged serve breaks in the first four games of the opener. It was uncharacteristic of Lisicki to lose game on her serves. The 21-years-old, Barthel, was in no mood
to spare anything at all and looked to bamboozle her opponent with her speed and agile foot work.
The score kept ticking over as both players held their respective serves; score went to 6-6 and tie breaker was enforced to decide the first set. With massive experience of such occasions at her back, Lisicki held her nerves and
claimed the first set but nothing should be taken away from Barthel as she showed great composure and courage to fight throughout the set.
Second set started in similar fashion as both players traded more break points in the first two games but this time, the younger competitor was in no mood to provide any opportunity to the top speed to break again. She frustrated
the top speed German, who coughed a number of unforced errors to let some easy points to the youngster. Barthel broke twice in succession to take the second set and keep her chances alive to place the berth in the quarter-finals.
Stuttering start to the third set by the top seed sensed a major upset in the making but Lisicki composed herself. Two breaks upfront heated the contest and then two more breaks in the fifth and sixth game brought life to the crowd;
score was level at 3-3. Both players were cautious but the inexperience of Barthel played her part in the last set, as she thumped two easy returns straight into the net that forced her to lose two games in a row. Another break in the last game saw the top
seed winning the set and marching into the quarter-finals.
Sabine Lisicki lock horns with her compatriot, Angelique Kerber, in the quarter-final.
Tags: