Regardless her postur and weak serve, at 278 in the WTA rankings Ayu Fani Damayanti is the highest ranked Indonesian tennis player today. I am always enthusiastic following Ayu's performance in international tennis forums.
Having played her third main draw in Bali in September last year, Ayu Fani Damayanti continued her good performance at the Philippines ITF women's circuits. She grabbed two ITF circuit titles despite her low ranks of 733 and 727.
At the second week in Manila, Ayu defeated the top seed, Sacha Jones (then ranked number 337) of New Zealand 6-4 6-1 (H2H) in the final. Ayu played perfect games in the course of two weeks without loosing a set.
Today Sacha Jones has made her biggest leap to 168 from last week 212 in the WTA rankings after winning three Australian challenger (Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Rock Hill) 25K tournaments in a row and a 50K tournament in Phoenix, USA.
Where is Ayu? Within the last two months Ayu didn't play any ITF tournaments. She played at local tournaments in Tegal and Jakarta. I have not seen any official reason why she didn't enter challenger tournaments or at least the circuits in Manila. The only possible guess I have is that Ayu needs to collect money from this easy-winning local tournaments.
If Ayu is given a financial support to travel from challenger to challenger and try her luck at higher tournaments, It is not possible that she could be in the Top 200 this year. I am stil hoping that someday someone would invest in Ayu and helped her join the Top 150. Nothing is impossible for this smart tactician girl.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 08, 2009
The Final: Bartoli vs Rezai (game by game report)
Most of the spectators in Bali International Convention Centre seems to support Rezai as she's the underdog. People around me even talked about her relation to the Middle East. I feel like the only Bartoli fan on the row behind the photographers and the D Stand.
Rezai serves the opening quite big, but a deep forehand return from Bartoli wins her the first point. Some unbelievable reaches by Rezai helped her won the game.
0-1
Bartoli open and close her service game with unreturned big serves. The game point came after a long rally ended by Rezai hit the net.
1-1
Rezai keeps her pace and powerful strokes to win the third game regardless Bartoli's determining play.
2-1
Bartoli cruised for love game with great angles and close it perfectly with a big unreturned serve.
2-2
Bartoli stayed strong and lead 30-0 on Rezai serve. Rezai managed to get a point as Bartoli hit a long forehand, but that's it, Bartoli has the break.
3-2
A great return from Rezai on Bartoli's second serve. 0-15
15-30 forehand winner from Rezai.
Rezai get the break points by hitting hard to the left corner, and the backhand defense from Bartoli went over the base line.
Bartoli forced a deuce and aced for advantage.
A long forehand down the line by Rezai went wide.
4-2
Rezai hit an ace and unreturned big serve to lead 30-0. Bartoli took the next points with winners. Deuce cannot be avoided as Rezai sent the ball long. Unreturned serve gives Rezai the advantage. Bartoli hit winner to equalize, but her forehand at the next point went wide.
4-3
Big return on 2nd serve gave Rezai first point. Her long forehand and net backhand gives Bartoli the lead. Bartoli moved her from corner to corner for the game point. Rezai sailed a long forehand to lose the game.
5-3
A return deep on the corner gives Bartoli the first point. Rezai double faulted the next. Rezai got a point after exchanging groundstrokes. Equalizer came with a blistering forehand by Rezai.
Another double fault gave Bartoli set point. Bartoli missread the 2nd serve and the return went long. Deuce. An ace by Rezai was determined by hawkeye. Bartoli overcooked a backhand and gave Rezai the game. That's is the biggest mistake of the match.
5-4
Failed to close the set, Bartoli is left 0-30.
An ace from Bartoli is paid with a winner return by Rezai. Rezai won a great point to equalize the set. Spectators in the centre court went crazy. Those who supported Bartoli when they first came in, changed their mind in order to not look different. They are the ones who have been defeated by the situation.
5-5
Bartoli had a break point for 6-5 lead, but Rezai saved the point and held serve after a long forehand from Bartoli. Her racket string was the cause of that unforced error. Bartoli changed racket, but could not help winning the game. Rezai held serve.
5-6
Walter came in and gave advice to Marion.
I still believed that Bartoli could win the set, even when she was down 15-40.
They played the same game, they hit the ball hard, and moved well on the court. Bartoli has better pace on her shots and her groundtrokes are flat and deep. Rezai hits a little spin that make he balls a bit shorter. The problem is that Bartoli is not fit enough for the match. She surrendered after being treated. Even though she tried to finish the set, it was obvious that she is limped and could not move well.
Marion went on tears as she shook Rezai's hand and forced to give up the championship.
Rezai will go home with USD 200,000 pay check (twice the prize money for Bartoli), but she keeps on smiling not because of the biggest check she got from a tournament. It is the title that matter.
Rezai serves the opening quite big, but a deep forehand return from Bartoli wins her the first point. Some unbelievable reaches by Rezai helped her won the game.
0-1
Bartoli open and close her service game with unreturned big serves. The game point came after a long rally ended by Rezai hit the net.
1-1
Rezai keeps her pace and powerful strokes to win the third game regardless Bartoli's determining play.
2-1
Bartoli cruised for love game with great angles and close it perfectly with a big unreturned serve.
2-2
Bartoli stayed strong and lead 30-0 on Rezai serve. Rezai managed to get a point as Bartoli hit a long forehand, but that's it, Bartoli has the break.
3-2
A great return from Rezai on Bartoli's second serve. 0-15
15-30 forehand winner from Rezai.
Rezai get the break points by hitting hard to the left corner, and the backhand defense from Bartoli went over the base line.
Bartoli forced a deuce and aced for advantage.
A long forehand down the line by Rezai went wide.
4-2
Rezai hit an ace and unreturned big serve to lead 30-0. Bartoli took the next points with winners. Deuce cannot be avoided as Rezai sent the ball long. Unreturned serve gives Rezai the advantage. Bartoli hit winner to equalize, but her forehand at the next point went wide.
4-3
Big return on 2nd serve gave Rezai first point. Her long forehand and net backhand gives Bartoli the lead. Bartoli moved her from corner to corner for the game point. Rezai sailed a long forehand to lose the game.
5-3
A return deep on the corner gives Bartoli the first point. Rezai double faulted the next. Rezai got a point after exchanging groundstrokes. Equalizer came with a blistering forehand by Rezai.
Another double fault gave Bartoli set point. Bartoli missread the 2nd serve and the return went long. Deuce. An ace by Rezai was determined by hawkeye. Bartoli overcooked a backhand and gave Rezai the game. That's is the biggest mistake of the match.
5-4
Failed to close the set, Bartoli is left 0-30.
An ace from Bartoli is paid with a winner return by Rezai. Rezai won a great point to equalize the set. Spectators in the centre court went crazy. Those who supported Bartoli when they first came in, changed their mind in order to not look different. They are the ones who have been defeated by the situation.
5-5
Bartoli had a break point for 6-5 lead, but Rezai saved the point and held serve after a long forehand from Bartoli. Her racket string was the cause of that unforced error. Bartoli changed racket, but could not help winning the game. Rezai held serve.
5-6
Walter came in and gave advice to Marion.
I still believed that Bartoli could win the set, even when she was down 15-40.
They played the same game, they hit the ball hard, and moved well on the court. Bartoli has better pace on her shots and her groundtrokes are flat and deep. Rezai hits a little spin that make he balls a bit shorter. The problem is that Bartoli is not fit enough for the match. She surrendered after being treated. Even though she tried to finish the set, it was obvious that she is limped and could not move well.
Marion went on tears as she shook Rezai's hand and forced to give up the championship.
Rezai will go home with USD 200,000 pay check (twice the prize money for Bartoli), but she keeps on smiling not because of the biggest check she got from a tournament. It is the title that matter.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Photo Sessions
Other than watching the games, the most exciting part of covering a tournament is the photo sessions. Photographers and fans enjoy the time to shoot and be shot.
Bartoli Outplayed Date Krumm
Kimiko Date Krumm, the oldest winner of any tournaments in WTA Tour for the last 26 years showed her agility and power that brought her back to professional tennis after 12 year retirement. The technic and tactical game is still there, but that is not enough to beat the elite. Today's tennis requires more power and speed.
The fast surface of the centre court in Bali International Convention Centre, Nusa Dua, suits the game of Bartoli. The number 1 seed always take the ball earlier on the rise. It creates more pace that worn out the Japanese.
Bartoli had a chance to close out the match earlier. At 61 50 Bartoli had a break point that was a match point. Date Krumm survived and managed to hold the game and break Bartoli afterwards.
The spectators went crazy supporting Mrs. Krumm as they wanted a longer match. However, after loosing focus Bartoli regrouped and finished the match at 63. Albeit Kimiko's hardwork and technic, Bartoli outplayed and outpowered her quite handily.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Order of Play D2
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Centre Court (from 14.00hrs)
1. Shahar Peer vs. Magdalena Rybarikova
2. Melinda Czink vs. Aravane Rezai
3. María José Martínez Sánchez vs. Agnes Szavay (NB 18.30hrs)
4. Anabel Medina Garrigues vs. Kimiko Date Krumm
Centre Court (from 14.00hrs)
1. Shahar Peer vs. Magdalena Rybarikova
2. Melinda Czink vs. Aravane Rezai
3. María José Martínez Sánchez vs. Agnes Szavay (NB 18.30hrs)
4. Anabel Medina Garrigues vs. Kimiko Date Krumm
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Tickets
Balcony 1 or 2
Round Robin 850,000/day or D1+D2 1,600,000
Semifinal 950,000
Final 1,050,000
Day 3 to Final 2,650,000
Continuous ticket 4,175,000
Stand A or C
Round Robin 200,000/day or D1+D2 320,000
Semifinal SOLD OUT
Final SOLD OUT
Day 3 to Final SOLD OUT
Continuous ticket SOLD OUT
Stand B or D
Round Robin 150,000/day or D1+D2 250,000
Semifinal 250,000
Final 300,000
Day 3 to Final 550,000
Continuous ticket 750,000
The Venue
http://wta2009.creativeconcept.us/page/maplayout.php
Where to Buy
Tickets can be pre-booked at various venues at major tourism points starting August 2009 until tickets will be available on November 1, 2009.
http://wta2009.creativeconcept.us/page/wheretobuy.php
,
Order of Play
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Centre Court (from 14.00hrs)
1. Sabine Lisicki vs. Aravane Rezai
2. Yanina Wickmayer vs. Kimiko Date Krumm
3. Marion Bartoli vs. Magdalena Rybarikova (NB 18.30hrs)
4. Samantha Stosur vs. Agnes Szavay
I would pick all the seeds to win tomorrow, but Kimiko Date Krumm could do a damage to the Belgian tenager. Her relentless spirit and experience would be the factors. I hope that the people in Bali will go crazy to support the Japanese.
Japanese in Indonesia, both expatriats and tourists are great supporters of the players from their home country. I have seen how the group of Japanese supporters managed to 'conquer' Senayan and helped their Davis Cup team defeated the Indonesian team regardless being down 1-2 after Febi Widhyanto won all his singles matches.
Centre Court (from 14.00hrs)
1. Sabine Lisicki vs. Aravane Rezai
2. Yanina Wickmayer vs. Kimiko Date Krumm
3. Marion Bartoli vs. Magdalena Rybarikova (NB 18.30hrs)
4. Samantha Stosur vs. Agnes Szavay
I would pick all the seeds to win tomorrow, but Kimiko Date Krumm could do a damage to the Belgian tenager. Her relentless spirit and experience would be the factors. I hope that the people in Bali will go crazy to support the Japanese.
Japanese in Indonesia, both expatriats and tourists are great supporters of the players from their home country. I have seen how the group of Japanese supporters managed to 'conquer' Senayan and helped their Davis Cup team defeated the Indonesian team regardless being down 1-2 after Febi Widhyanto won all his singles matches.
CBTC Draw
The draw for the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions has been made. Twelve players are split into four groups of three, with one each of the top four seeds placed into Group A, B, C and D in order of ranking. The next four players based on ranking were then drawn and placed in each group, followed by the final four.
The highest ranked winner of any of the Groups will be placed at the top of the semi-final draw, with the second highest ranked placed at the bottom. The remaining two semi-finalists will be drawn to play in the top or bottom half.
Group A:
Marion Bartoli
Shahar Peer
Magdalena Rybarikova
Bartoli have lost to Peer six times in seven encounters. The only win came in Wimbledon this year. While against Rybarikova, Bartoli leads 2-1. The only lost was in New Heaven when Bartoli was forced to retire due to injury. Peer and Rybarikova have never played each other in WTA Tour.
Group B:
Samantha Stosur
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez
Agnes Szavay
Szavay defeated Stosur in two sets at R32 of 2007 New Heaven.
Either Szavay or Stosur has never played Martinez-Sanchez before.
Group C:
Yanina Wickmayer
Anabel Medina Garrigues
Kimiko Date Krumm
Anabel defeated Yanina 1-6 6-3 6-3 in R32 of 2009 Strasbourg, but it was in red clay.
Anabel defeated Kimiko in Guangzhou, but lost to her in Seoul final this year.
Kimiko has never played Yanina.
Group D:
Sabine Lisicki
Melinda Czink
Aravane Rezai
Lisicki and Czink have met twice in 2008. Lisicki won in the 2nd round of Australian Open, but lost in Quebec City (carpet). Both matches went to three sets.
Czink and Rezai played each other twice last year. Rezai won 6-4 6-2 in Tokyo, but had to retire in Beijing while trailed 2-6 0-1.
The only encounter between Lisicki and Rezai was in the opening round of 2009 US Open when Lisicki prevails after a hard fought three setter 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-1.
Vera Dushevina, the alternate, will replace any injured or ill player.
The highest ranked winner of any of the Groups will be placed at the top of the semi-final draw, with the second highest ranked placed at the bottom. The remaining two semi-finalists will be drawn to play in the top or bottom half.
Group A:
Marion Bartoli
Shahar Peer
Magdalena Rybarikova
Bartoli have lost to Peer six times in seven encounters. The only win came in Wimbledon this year. While against Rybarikova, Bartoli leads 2-1. The only lost was in New Heaven when Bartoli was forced to retire due to injury. Peer and Rybarikova have never played each other in WTA Tour.
Group B:
Samantha Stosur
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez
Agnes Szavay
Szavay defeated Stosur in two sets at R32 of 2007 New Heaven.
Either Szavay or Stosur has never played Martinez-Sanchez before.
Group C:
Yanina Wickmayer
Anabel Medina Garrigues
Kimiko Date Krumm
Anabel defeated Yanina 1-6 6-3 6-3 in R32 of 2009 Strasbourg, but it was in red clay.
Anabel defeated Kimiko in Guangzhou, but lost to her in Seoul final this year.
Kimiko has never played Yanina.
Group D:
Sabine Lisicki
Melinda Czink
Aravane Rezai
Lisicki and Czink have met twice in 2008. Lisicki won in the 2nd round of Australian Open, but lost in Quebec City (carpet). Both matches went to three sets.
Czink and Rezai played each other twice last year. Rezai won 6-4 6-2 in Tokyo, but had to retire in Beijing while trailed 2-6 0-1.
The only encounter between Lisicki and Rezai was in the opening round of 2009 US Open when Lisicki prevails after a hard fought three setter 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-1.
Vera Dushevina, the alternate, will replace any injured or ill player.
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