Key point was at *5-4 30-40 when Anne played a poor dropshot. Should have been deuce and from there I would have fancied her to win the set. Uphill struggle now.
That was a much closer match than the scoreline suggests. You can see whats lacking in Anne's game compared to her peak form. She is still striking the ball very well but with a few more errors and her serve has just lost a bit of pop.
I'd agree with the idea that it was an encouraging performance from Anne. From what I have seen of her game over the last few days she is a player with clear ability, and perhaps today she was playing an opponent who found a better balance between consistency and aggression than her. Compared to how she played in Warsaw last year, Anne is still playing at a lower level, however it's encouraging that her lower level can still allow her to make SFs and QFs of International level events.
Yes she still has time to improve, the clay season is still young. I think she definitely has the most potential on the dirt of all Brits, hoping Bally does well too though. Lets not forget Cornet is still under-ranked due to injury and has beaten many top 50 players, even top 10ers on clay including defending FO champ Svetlana Kuznetsova.
On to Rome anyway, Q draw out tommorow I think, maybe today due to Sunday start?
Katie and Anne both still have doubles matches to play. Anne & Groth are 0-1 down in the first set having been broken in their first service game. Katie & Olaru should be televised by bet365 soonish....