the addict wrote:

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What a good win over the experieced Thais

QF:- Beatrice Gumulya (INA) / Katie Swan (GBR) CR 1344 (323+1021) def Luksika Kumkhum (THA) / Peangtarn Plipuech (THA) CR253 (121+132) [1] 7-6(8) 7-5 

SF:- Beatrice Gumulya (INA) / Katie Swan (GBR) CR 1344 (323+1021) v Anna Siskova CZE) / Ksenia Zaytseva (***) CR743 (82+661)

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 Walkover it is:

SF:- Beatrice Gumulya (INA) / Katie Swan (GBR) CR 1344 (323+1021) LOST TO Anna Siskova CZE) / Ksenia Zaytseva (***) CR743 (82+661)

W/O

Blue_Belle wrote:

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I might get some stick for this but while I like to see Katie doing well, I just can't get behind her too much because of the amount of injuries and retirements.

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 Not stick. Just to me, strange?  As far as I know Katie certainly wants it, works hard to be fit, and must be so frustrated.

I continue to so wish that her fortunes will change, that she will get a good run of fitness and matches, and yet get the opportunity to try and be all she can be.

indiana wrote:

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Blue_Belle wrote:

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I might get some stick for this but while I like to see Katie doing well, I just can't get behind her too much because of the amount of injuries and retirements.

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 Not stick. Just to me, strange?  As far as I know Katie certainly wants it, works hard to be fit, and must be so frustrated.

I continue to so wish that her fortunes will change, that she will get a good run of fitness and matches, and yet get the opportunity to try and be all she can be.

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 I can understand where Blue Belle is coming from - trying not to get too excited about Katie playing because of the constant disappointments which come from supporting her.  It is the same with Fran.  It would be easier and less frustrating to concentrate on those who are not always being hit by injury.

I began watching the match at the start of the second set. Swan had won a hard-fought 1st set, taking an early lead, being pegged back, and gritting it out to break her opponent's serve, and win it 7-5. However, it was immediately evident all was not well, as she was unable to compete in the rally and went a break down very quickly at 0-3 in the 2nd set, and had a short MTO. It was difficult to see, because the activity was behind the umpires chair, but I didn't see the kind of physio manipulation treatment that Katie has so often had to have in her matches. I think it was more that she was feeling unwell. I don't know how the conditions were yesterday in Nonthaburi, it was overcast (and the two sets I watched weren't played at sustained high intensity) but previous days seemed to be hot and humid, with the players drenched in sweat. The 2nd set was over in a flash, with Katie really struggling, and then both players disappeared to change kit. Katie tried to regroup at the start of the 3rd, she was still serving with power, but couldn't sustain the effort in the rallies. Her opponent Saito was running everything down, and not missing much. Inevitably the games went against Swan and it soon became apparent that it wasn't going to be her day. The fact that Katie played out the match until the end, would suggest she thought there was a chance that the problem might resolve itself. I wasn't surprised to see that Swan later pulled out of the doubles match.

The Japanese opponent, Saito, looked like a good player to me, and that combined with Katie seeming to become unwell mid-way through the match, resulted in the loss on the day. It's tough to win in Thailand, plenty of good players from the region who are comfortable in the conditions.

I echo indiana's sentiments, and wait patiently for Katie's fortunes on the tennis court to change. She's still one of our best players, and on her day can beat most anyone.