and she does :)

Third set . . .

Another deciding set for Heather, which seems to be the norm these days. She did well in the key points to come through the last two.

Hev was actually 1-3* down early in the 3rd set, got the break back, saved at least 1 bp in a long 8th game and has now had bps in the 9th game ... the last of which she takes and will serve for the match.

4th mp coming up............

Hev only gone and done it again....

Excellent win - i rate Riske.

Dipped in and out of that match and it was excellent to see Heather prevail. There's no doubt that her athleticism and matchplay instinct remain very much intact, but there still really isn't much power there and there are many more UEs than we are used to seeing from her. But it's more about getting the enthusiasm and joy back, and enjoying the spoils of a hard fought victory - this winter break will be so important for Heather in her career (given all the turmoil of 2013), and it will give her such a lift to be in with a shout of perhaps even winning this tournament! A patented Hev smile is all we are looking for to signal her being back.

The Simona Halep story (similar height, similar build, similar outstanding movement/athleticism, similar counter-punching instinct) should give us all hope - the addition of more power and a more aggressive approach to a steady counter-punching game isn't an overnight project.....but when it all comes together, the results can be outstanding.