TENNIS in DEPTH.

Ana’s impressive run at the Luxembourg Open ended in the quarter-finals as she was beaten 6-3, 6-1 by Germany’s Julia Goerges. The 22-year-old, who was competing in her fifth tournament in five weeks and her 10th match in 10 days, was broken early on and was ultimately unable to compete with the German. Although Ana looked far from fresh, one must take nothing away from Goerges’ performance: she was simply outstanding. She served supremely well and hit an array of thunderbolt forehand winners to break Ana’s streak of seven successive straight sets victories. Goerges put Ana under pressure early on by blasting some fabulous returns and she was almost unapproachable on serve – she hit eight aces during the match. The German broke to lead 2-1. Ana missed a crucial break-back opportunity and chance to level the match when trailing 3-2. Goerges wrapped up the first set after a double fault from Ana on set point. The German continued her imposing rush to the semi-finals as she held serve to love in the opening game of the second set. Ana looked to regain her poise and she too raced to a 40-0 advantage on serve, but she let the lead slip and was broken for 2-0. Goerges was in total control, flawless in every department. Ana, on the other hand, racked up a number of unforced errors and she faced two match points at 5-1 down. She saved them both with some convincing play but the German closed out the match in exactly an hour on the third opportunity.

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