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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Aggression the key for Spaniard
Source: Agencies |
January 23, 2009, Friday
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Print Edition
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SPAIN'S Carla Suarez Navarro, preaching the underdog's mantra that she had nothing to lose, said she never gave up hope of beating Venus Williams in their second round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday.
Suarez Navarro pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far when she beat the American 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 despite being match point down late in the third set.
"I just went on court to try to be positive, to try to do my best," she told reporters through a translator. "I never thought that I was going to lose. I was still thinking positive all match."
After conceding the first set, the Australian Open debutante abandoned any thoughts of playing cautiously and attacked her more illustrious opponent at every opportunity.
"You must be aggressive during all the match because, if not, she's going to take control of you," said Suarez Navarro, who marked her grand slam debut by reaching the quarterfinals of last year's French Open.
Williams was at a loss to explain her below-par performance.
"She was super consistent and aggressive and just went for her shots.
"She took her opportunities and really showed a lot of character. We haven't quite figured out exactly which areas went wrong but I definitely have to credit her."
Williams had never faced the Spaniard before yesterday but said she was aware of the 20-year-old's ability.
"I've seen her play before...but this was probably one of her best matches she's ever played," Williams said. "She's obviously very talented. This is a great sport where you can choose your own destiny."
The Australian Open has not been a happy hunting ground for Williams over the years. She has never won the title although she made the final in 2003, losing to her sister Serena, and was knocked out in the first round three years ago.
Suarez Navarro pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far when she beat the American 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 despite being match point down late in the third set.
"I just went on court to try to be positive, to try to do my best," she told reporters through a translator. "I never thought that I was going to lose. I was still thinking positive all match."
After conceding the first set, the Australian Open debutante abandoned any thoughts of playing cautiously and attacked her more illustrious opponent at every opportunity.
"You must be aggressive during all the match because, if not, she's going to take control of you," said Suarez Navarro, who marked her grand slam debut by reaching the quarterfinals of last year's French Open.
Williams was at a loss to explain her below-par performance.
"She was super consistent and aggressive and just went for her shots.
"She took her opportunities and really showed a lot of character. We haven't quite figured out exactly which areas went wrong but I definitely have to credit her."
Williams had never faced the Spaniard before yesterday but said she was aware of the 20-year-old's ability.
"I've seen her play before...but this was probably one of her best matches she's ever played," Williams said. "She's obviously very talented. This is a great sport where you can choose your own destiny."
The Australian Open has not been a happy hunting ground for Williams over the years. She has never won the title although she made the final in 2003, losing to her sister Serena, and was knocked out in the first round three years ago.
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