Date-Krumm shocks Na Li to join Ivanovic in semis

 

Originally published on: 05/11/10 08:26

Kimiko Date Krumm, who turned 40 this year, once again produced another age-defying performance, this time defeating world No.11 Na Li 6-4 3-6 6-4.

Ranked outside the world’s top 50, Date Krumm came in as a wildcard and showed why she deserved the entry, especially in the early stages.

Taking total command from the outset, Date Krumm moved into a 5-1 lead, and though Li broke back, the world No.53 remained composed to see out the set.

The top seed managed to find her groove in the second set, taking it 6-3. Na Li carried this momentum in to the decider, securing an early break to lead 3-1.

But, Date Krumm, who has shown tremendous fight all season – broke back, before clinching the match, albeit via a Na Li double fault.

“Li is a very tough player, but when I was losing in the third set, I just tried to push myself,” said Date Krumm. “I still enjoy myself on the court and am focusing and trying my best every match.”

Meanwhile, Ivanovic made light work of No.3 seed Pavlyuchenkova to progress to the last four of the season-ending tournament, winning 6-0 6-1 in under an hour.

“It was an almost perfect performance,” admitted a delighted Ivanovic. “Anastasia is a tough opponent and even though the score indicates it was easy, there were still a few close games. I thought I served well, played aggressively and moved well, so there wasn’t much wrong today.”

The ease in which Ivanovic took out the world No.20 shows how much the former world No.1 has come on in the latter half of this season, especially since winning in Linz last month.

“It gives you confidence, not only the scoreline, but the way you play,” said Ivanovic, who returned to world’s top 25 following her success in Austria. “I really think things are coming back together.

“I feel the things I’ve been working on, I can see them working in matches now, and that makes a big difference when you are under pressure and playing the important points in a match.”

Ivanovic will take on Date Krumm in the semis and the 40-year-old is eagerly anticipating the challenge.

“I’ve never played Ana before. She’s tough, and so is everybody here,” said Date Krumm. “Ana won Linz a few weeks ago. I’m just going to continue to try my best.”

The other semi-final will be decided this evening, with Daniela Hantuchova taking on Yanina Wickmayer and Alisa Kleybanova facing defending champ Aravane Rezai.

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