After the fine form she showed in Australia - disregarding that wasteful semi final loss - even her biggest critics would have expected Daniela Hantuchova to continue such form at least in the short term. It was clear however that the Slovak has slumped back into the days of losing to players she really shouldn’t, and when she does win, it is far from easy. Now, this may seem harsh after just two matches since the first slam of the year, but although I am a huge fan of Daniela, these types of results have been going on for too long now.
A first round bye - never an advantage for Hantuchova who tends more often than not to play herself into form during a tournament, was followed by a second round match up with Katarina Srebotnik a wily and consistent player who has never beaten Hantuchova in their previous six meetings. A fine first set from both players was followed by a 6-1 drubbing by the Slovenian Srebotnik. Hantuchova’s game had deserted her and all of the mental frailties and clueless shot-making which has dirtied her game for the past few years reared its head once more. Daniela regained her composure and her winners, to seal the third but it was a tough game.
Agnes Szavay yet another ‘wonderkid’ this time from Hungary is a difficult player as Hantuchova herself, Jelena Jankovic and Nadia Petrova all found out last year but her form has been indifferent in 2008 so far. Another huge lead was blown by Hantuchova in the first set (points for 5-1) and after losing the tiebreak it was a repeat of the Srebotnik second set drubbing 6-1.
Is the Slovak a little complacent now after cementing herself solidly in the worlds top 10? Perhaps, and if that is the case then the hope will be that over the years she has matured enough to conquer such feelings which no doubt contributed to her downfall in 2003 when she was at a similarly lofty ranking.
Daniela Hantuchova lost to No.2 seeded Amelie Mauresmo in the quarter finals of Dubai open in 3 sets 3-6 6-3 4-6.This is another marathon match for Daniela that lasted 2 hours 21 minutes. In the first set Amelie lead 5-1, Daniela tried to come back but the insurance break allowed Amelie to win the first set 6-3 in 41 minutes.
Daniela found her rhythm in the second set with laser sharp returns and excellent serve. She won the secoond serve 6-3.
Daniela started the third set well by breaking the no.2 seed, but she couldn’t carry the momentum and the players exchanged a series of breaks. In the last game Daniela couldn’t win her service game to stay in the match and Amelie won the final set 6-4.
Both players called for their coaches between the second and third sets.
In the doubles Daniela and her playing partner Ai Sugiyama reached Semis by defeating the Slovakian/Czech pair Janette Husarova/Kveta Peschke in straight sets 6-3 6-1.
