ROGERS CUP > MONTREAL > HARD > TIER I > ROUND 1
It's reassuring, if rather frustrating, that professional live tennis providers can experience technical cock-ups. Unfortunately todays cock-up obliterated any live info from the first set. A first set which for the record Marion won with one break of serve.
The 2nd set is when the fireworks began. Marion took an early break and looked on course to close out the match in straight sets.
The Brit looking to avoid her second defeat to Marion in a year, and also avenge Marion's recent win over compatriot Anne Keothavong, succeeded in quickly breaking back for 2-2.
The match then went with serve for the remainder of the set. Neither player scoring many points against serve. No prolonged deuce games, until one titanic game at 5-6 on Marions serve.
Mel South had two set points in this game but didnt convert.
Eventually after six deuces and five game points Marion held to take the 2nd set into a tie break.
Marion earned an early mini break which South quickly expunged. The tie break was nip and tuck until 5-5. South seized her chance; winning a point on Marion's serve and then served for the set. South closing the tie break at the first point of asking.
Perhaps the effort expended in taking a set off a top 20 player involved a level of concentration and performance South isnt used to. Marion swiftly swept away the challenge of yet another plucky Brit 6-0 in the deciding set. Assuaging any annoyance over losing a set to the lady reanked outside the top 100.
If in doubt, route-1! It works for the Williams sisters! Ace-happy Marion cannoned down a total of ELEVEN little gemstones in the match (Marion's actually brandishing a sawn-off shotgun in the banner above.... lol... joking of course!), and maintained a good level of first serves in.
In the next round Marion will play either Alisa Kleybanova or Ahsha Rolle.
Well Done Marion
Edited 21:17
