Very close match. I missed first five games therefore can't really comment on how Daniela got the break in opening set. At times she looked like her feet were glued to the ground. She clearly struggles with this ultra-slow surface, so I think we can't be too mad on her for dragging us through such a rollercoaster and errorfest. Her serve was what you would expect on this surface, not really a threat, but thankfully Klára's relatively small frame doesn't support blasting returns. Even Daniela's 2nd serve was quite safe, though she did have troubles with Klára's bh crosscourt returns, which were relatively deep, especially in the 2nd set. Return inconsistent, but when it mattered Daniela stepped it up (particularly in 5th game of the deciding set where she was already 15-40 down on Klára's serve). There were many bh crosscourt rallies, Daniela when in troubles uses that gross topspin moonball and sometimes it even won her the point. I wish she would combine it with slice to add variety, but that's for another topic.

As for Zakopalová, she was pretty much just as inconsistent as Daniela. Made few errors later in the 2nd set, which is why she won it, then started making more in the 3rd. Backhand was guilty of aforementioned inconsistency, Forehand not to such an extent. Daniela didn't fancy Klára's forehand (particularly the running one down the line which was excellent) and usually got overpowered by it. But thankfully this was a match of backhands.

There were many bh crosscourt rallies, Daniela when in troubles uses that gross topspin moonball and sometimes it even won her the point. I'm glad you dislike that shot,as it's asking for trouble against a more powerful player. Having said that,the moonball-volley combo Danka pulled off yesterday was a classic.

Dulgheru will be very confident since she has nothing to lost. We need to wish that Danka do not choke tomorrow.

A win tomorrow will marks a 4 back-to-back win for Danka. This will also help Danka for the ranking point.

I wish upon the star so that Danka will win and get through to the final.

I'm glad you dislike that shot,as it's asking for trouble against a more powerful player. Having said that,the moonball-volley combo Danka pulled off yesterday was a classic. It's probably Daniela's only option how to turn a rally when she is in defense to neutral state - when Daniela's oppo's pounding her backhand. From this perspective I can't say anything negative about it. Besides, many players have problems with it timing wise. Azarenka used it very effectively against Kanepi in Rome to get a short ball from her. Daniela does it too, like you wrote. But I still think it's an odd shot, slice would be better imo. Today Daniela used it just for defensive purposes, no moonball-volley combo. Klára didn't give her any short ball to smack.


Danka's post-match feelings:
"I am really happy about this. Making a singles semifinal on clay, which is not my favourite surface - that's just fantastic. I have a great regard for how I fought for every point. As for my strokes, I feel very well, which is great before upcoming RG. My fighting spirit was deciding factor today. 3rd set was very competitive, on slow clay there were many breaks of serve. The most important thing was who held first. I managed to hold in 6th game and then finished the match victorious. At the end I had more physical strength. Klára was very unpleasant opponent, in 2nd set she didn't make almost any errors, hit some very good down the line shots. She played really well.
I can't underestimate my next opponent. She is in semis so she must do something right. It will take a bit of time to get used to her game. I must prepare myself for this match and be concentrated, that will be important."

Sorry for shitty (read: more shitty than usually) translation, I had about 7 beers tonight.

By the way, we should know the Roland Garros draw right around the time Daniela is on court. Something else to look forward to.

I'm so happy that we can watch her live Hope she can make a good match


BTW: "Follow the 2009 French Open Main Draw Ceremony Online
The official website of the 2009 French Open will cover the main draw ceremony live online tomorrow.
The men’s and women’s singles draws will be selected on Friday at 11:30 am in Paris (5:30 am ET).
As the names are drawn, the Roland Garros website will host an interactive draw board for fans to watch as the first round matches are determined. For more information, visit the official website.