KICKING HERSELF FROM HERE….
 Oh Yes. Raneem will really be having bruises on a charming
behind after this match. “You are going to be kicking yourself”
I said after the match. And with a sad lovely smile, the
Egyptian said quietly “I’ve already done it”…
She didn’t have many chances in the first to be honest. Six
unforced errors in that opening game, with Laura perfectly in
control. But in the second, the English lady kept hitting a
funny spot on the left wall, and it kept jumping out right in
Raneem’s raquet, too happy to volley it beautifully, putting
Laura under more and more pressure.
Not
to mention that the English girl – who’s been changing her serve
for a few months now, going for a lob one – served twice out,
once at 1/1 and then, wait for it, at 9/10, game ball for
Raneem!
Bless….
 Silly, especially as she was coming back strongly from 6/10 to
9/10, helped by a suddenly shaky Egyptian, who kept tinning or
putting the ball out of court…
Still, back at 1/1 we were.
A terrible start at the third for Raneem, 4/0 Laura, and the
Egyptian that claws back to 5/5. And now it’s Laura’s moment to
go to short! Raneem enjoys the opportunity, . 6/6. 7/7. 9/7
Raneen. The crowd is now getting very excited. Feeling the
danger, the experienced Laura gives it a big push, 10/9, game
ball. Saved. Another game ball, 11/10. Tin, and game Laura
At the start of the fourth, we think it’s all over, Raneem
tinning every shot in sight. But mentally, physically, gets over
the disappointment of the loss of the third. And exactly like in
the previous game, there is nothing between them. Honestly,
beautiful attritional rallies, so much hard work.
And finally, Raneem gets game ball, 10/9. Saved by a stunning
backhand volley drop. On match ball for Laura, a few lets, but
with a delicate backhand boast, the English Lady seals her
victory.
A very disappointed crowd, but as fair as it comes, gives a big
round of applause to both players, a very deserved thank you
from us all for such a hard fought match….
 That
was hard.
I always feel when we play that it’s all about the one that can
get on top of the other, even more than with anyone. Well, I
guess we have both attacking style, and if I can keep her off of
the attack, I’m fine, but if my ball is a bit loose, I’m in
trouble.
It’s hard to play against Raneem, if you are too defensive, the
only thing you do is stay at the back!
 I
didn’t panic at any time today. I do panic sometimes, when I’m
playing poorly, and that I can see the points going fast, when
I’m being heavily hammered. But when I play well, like today, I
feel I’m in control of what’s happening.
Today, Raneem stuck well in the rallies with me I thought, and
she was more patient than she normally is.
I think we both played very well, and it seemed a very tough
3/1, I was quite happy not to go into the 5th. We’ve played 6th
times this year, and every time, it’s always very difficult, and
so close…
 |
 Maybe
I should have been more mature…. Still, Laura played very well.
It’s ok, I still made the final. But I had my chance, and lost
it…
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