Keothavong battles past teenager

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:19

The British number one edged the first set before fighting back from 4-0 down in the second to see off her 16-year-old opponent 7-6 (7/2) 6-4.

The 25-year-old will face fifth seed Marina Erakovic from New Zealand in the last eight.

Larcher de Brito, who turned professional when she was only 14, is tipped by many as a future star and she gave fourth seed Keothavong plenty to think about in the opening set.

The pair twice exchanged breaks before the Londoner upped her game in the tie-break to move in front.

The teenager responded to that setback impressively at the start of the second set, winning four games in a row.

But Keothavong is a fighter and she came storming back to level before breaking Larcher de Brito again and sealing victory with her sixth game in a row.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.