Tennis Pan Pacific Open: Francesca Schiavone and Caroline Wozniacki cruise to the quarters
The world No. 8 Francesca Schiavone defeated all-time favourite Kimiko Date Krumm in Pan Pacific Open 6-3, 6-3 and has reached quarterfinals.
Unfortunately it was a very disappointing match for the Japanese tennis star, as she lost this match in straight sets. The start of Pan Pacific Open was not very shaky for Kimiko Date; she defeated fifth seeded Daniela Hantuchova and celebrated her 40th
birthday on the last Tuesday.
Schiavone’s ground strokes were mind blowing, helping her to break serve three times in the first set to take a lead although every point was close. Both the professionals’ fought for every single point, making each game full of suspense and thrill.
Other than Daniela Hantuchova, Kimiko Date Krumm defeated Maria Saharapova in the very first round but could not prove herself in that particular match. Though she played a good game in the second set taking 3-2 lead, but was defeated in the ugly seventh
game and never recovered.
Blaming Kimiko Date Krumm for the Russian’s defeat is not fair; maybe her busy schedule could be one of the factors. She had just played in Seoul last week, and her tiring schedule didn’t allow her to strike balls and win points.
The Japanese tennis star is quite old now, as she is the second oldest player in the open era to win singles title. Despite her declining age, her professional career is remarkable and successful. She won the Tokyo tournament 1995, Hanso Korea Open 2009
and has also won several ITF titles. Kimiko Date Krumm is also recognized as the oldest player to defeat Dinara Safina the world No. 10 player in French Open 2010.
"I said to her at the end it was an honour to play her, I've followed her career and she's not just a great tennis player, she's a great person. To come back and show the people anything is possible is really inspiring. And today we were playing on the senior
tour -- we were 70 together!" Schiavone said.
Schiavone played an all court game, as she is very active on clay. Her instant approach to every ball was outstanding, it won’t be wrong to say that this tennis ace is justifying her ranking. Her forehand and backhand, for which she is often noted as well,
was eye-catching, forcing spectators to leave their seats.
The No. 8 is one of top 20 players, who could employ one handed backhand.
More tellingly, the top seeded Caroline Wozniacki defeated Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-2 in the straight sets and has reached the quarter finals of Pan Pacific Open.
This is the fifth time Caroline Wozniacki is beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets, third time this year.
Throughout the match Caroline was in the form, forcing her opponent to commit unforced errors and dropping shots to win more and more points. Although Caroline didn’t justify her ranking in the U.S. Open, but she is too keen on proving herself in Pan Pacific
Open.
The world No. 2 will be facing Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in her quarter finals. Who defeated Andrea Petkovic of Germany by 6-1, 6-3.
"I feel like I am playing good tennis," Wozniacki said. "Today was a tough match even though the score was 6-1, 6-2. I really had to be focused. Anastasia is a good player."
Radwanska is famous for her all court game, as she has won consecutive three titles on hard, clay and grass courts. She is recognized as one of the power players who could use both forehand and backhand to pass drop shots. Her accuracy and footwork is really
appreciated.
The upcoming matches are going to be really tough for both the winning players. Hopefully Caroline Wozniacki and Francesca Schiavone will not disappoint their fans and all who love to watch tennis.
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