Fuente : Wimbledon
http://www.wimbledon.org

WIMBLEDON: Clijsters Cracks Vinci's Code

/noticias.info/ Kim Clijsters will face top seed Lindsay Davenport of the United States in the last 16 of Wimbledon, thanks to a comfortable victory on Centre Court today. The smiling Belgian triumphed over Italian Roberta Vinci, 6-3, 6-4.

Clijsters had only surrendered a total of seven games in her opening two rounds at the 2005 Championships, with Britain's Katie O'Brien and American Melissa Irvin providing minimal opposition. If she had wanted to ease herself into the tournament it was the perfect start.

But a tougher workout against Vinci might have been beneficial. When players hit the second week of Wimbledon it can be helpful if they have been tested. Vinci had to qualify for Eastbourne and her ranking of 64 always suggested she had a mountain to climb in this match.

The crowd, still recovering from Roger Federer's thrilling match with Nicolas Kiefer, was subdued. But Clijsters, her blonde hair tied back, was their favourite. The Belgian, one of the most popular players on the women's tour, took a while to iron out the creases in her game. Once she found her rhythm, the Italian struggled. Clijster's powerful, driving ground strokes broke down Vinci who just could not cope.

The Italian bravely hung on to most of her serves despite the fact they were coming under increasing pressure. She even offered a token resistance by saving the first of three match points. But it all proved futile.

Clijsters has consistently played down her chances of winning the first Grand Slam title of her career at Wimbledon this year, but she is looking forward to her meeting with Davenport.

After the match she said: "It motivates me because I know that I have to play a really good match if I want to be able to beat her. But this is something that I do look forward to."

She continued: "I've played against her on grass before. I've lost to her here before. It's going to be really tough but I have to give it my best shot. I'm going to go out there and give myself 100% and we'll see who turns out the best at the end of the day."

Written by Mike Donovan notas_de_prensa_archivo