QF: KONTA, Johanna (GBR) 15 14 lost to KUCOVA, Kristina (SVK) Q 121 4-6 3-6
There were a lot of UEs from Jo. It was hard to tell whether it was a case of overreaching to try and win the point or inability to read what Kucova was doing or perhaps Jo was finally getting tired from her long run of wins.
A huge opportunity missed, but hard to complain about Jo's progress though. 7 wins in a fraction over a week. One title. Another new CH on Monday.
Hopefully she'll be able to keep all of that in perspective (and Carril will be at her next tour event, because Jo clearly responds better to his interventions than García's).
Real pity for what the win would have represented.
But I think a combination of one match too far and a difficult opponent for her, combining as AliBB said quite a lot of junk balls with decisive hitting when getting clear chances. I do think Jo prefers much more rythym and on the night she overpressed too often and didn't always seem to think straight probably partly through just being jaded by all her recent matches.
Much to be proud of for Jo over the last couple of weeks and a thoroughly deserved winner on the night in Kristina, continuing her great run.
This could be a blessing in disguise. I was quite worried that after a big run last week, she'd being playing all week this week, then flying down to the Olympics, which are on a very tight schedule, then on to the next tournament. A few more days to rest, a few more days to adjust ... not necessarily a bad thing, given the craziness of the summer schedule.
Gutted to wake up to this this morning. I guess the occasion got to her. That many UEs is just not what Jo does these days. Still, not exactly a bad couple of weeks. Let's hope she can make top 10 after the Olympics and the WTF.