“She’s a good player, don’t get me wrong, but I guess I know what’s coming. I always get pumped up to play against her.
“… I knew she likes angles, likes to go cross-court, takes everything on the rise, so my goal was try to get her moving. I don’t think she’s as comfortable if she’s not controlling the point. I wanted to be the aggressor and come to the net and mix it up.”
Bethanie Mattek-Sands
(jacksonville.com)
MPS Group Championships
Ponte Vedra Beach
R1/32
By the end of the first set I was already rehearsing my catchy headlines and looking forward to closure on Wimbledon 2008. But once again it looks like a decent serve and patient all-court play have helped Mattek-Sands to a win over Marion.
Rather like in Brisbane and the Australian Open, Our lady was magnificent when it came to receiving and serving 2nd serves, in fact her 2nd serve points won was 5% higher than her first. A statistic not easy to fathom.
The Australian hard courts and clay have a common feature in their rally-inducing slow-pace. Some say that generates more interesting tennis. Others think it just makes for soporific matches and self-hypnosis by stealth if you happen to have the misfortune of a seat near the net.
The time gaps between points on the scoreboard where huge and lagged like magnets on a meter.. you could feel the lengthy rallies hang like an oppressive migraine.
Everything was going hunky dory in the first set for those partial to goddess; An ace in the first game, and also our old friend from Oz 2nd serve Ace made a cameo appearance in Marion's next service game - this sandwiched a nice break to 15 for a 3-0 lead.
Perhaps Marion was so eager to bagel Mattek that some impatience crept in on the big points, this impatience maybe turned to nerves? As from 5-1 up and just two points from winning the set on Mattek-Sands serve, the 39th ranked American levered her way back into the set, game by game. Nothing but the odd point here or there in any of the games. But soon it was 5-5.
The next two games where equally tight, but Marion kept her nerve when it really mattered, to take the first set 7-5.
The first break of serve in the 2nd set occurred in the 4th game, and in favor of Marion - consolidated by a clean hold for 4-1. However any hope of putting some daylight between herself and the American number 3 where expunged once again as she drew level for 4-4, which soon became 6-6 and tie break time.
The abiding pattern of the match was of Marion taking the initiative, leading her opponent many times, only for her opponent to cancel out each lead and pip Marion to the post when it really mattered (1st set excepted). The tie breaker was an emblem for this rule of thumb - a 3-1 Bartoli lead ended in a 7-4 heartbreaker.
Perhaps both player’s exertions were by now beginning to take their toll on the clay, because the first six games of the set all resulted in breaks of serve.
The American was the first of these two vibrant personalities to secure a hold; But only just, via a deuce game for a 4-3 lead. Who can say if the dangly earrings where on show but Mattek-Sands shone in the next game to break for a critical 5-3 lead.
With Marion in the danger zone she had to break back to remain in the match. A perfectly plausible proposition for a player who sometimes seems to break serve more than she holds. Marion made her opponent work for it in the final game, but finally on her third match point Behanie Mattek-Sands sealed the contest after 2 hours and 37 minutes of play.
The weather conditions of this match by all accounts where similar to those during Marion's last encounter with Bethanie on court 11 at SW19 last June. Like some vicarious match-feed etched upon a spectators memory - a memory of a not so nice day, for Marion or for her fans... Ten months later, on a cool windy court on the Florida coast.... But That’s tennis.
So, how do we look upon Marion's trip to Ponte Vedra Beach? On the one hand she won three matches in consecutive days, but on the other hand she has experienced another first match main draw loss. Nevertheless, if Marion feels that this past few days have been helpful preparation ahead of Charleston, then it will be all have been worthwhile. Only she can really answer that, for it is her who has to step on court, grip the racquet, and play the game. We can all pontificate from the sidelines, but she is the one with the talent and the gift - Later I have a few photos to post from this week which illustrates this fact in sheer sculptured eloquence.
Today you came close Marion. Some you win some you lose. Hard luck girl. Good effort. 
Marion at Ponte Verda Beach (Photo:Alex)
Many thanks to Alex for the kind donation of photos, and all his work.
Update 17:00 (clean up)
Totally the wrong way. 
Hi Supermarion.
Why is it that I'm the only "bad Guy" on this blog.
Minor tournament, Minor players,
GREAT START.....................
TRAIN WRECK
DAD, What's going on?
I'll tell you what's going on.
Marion began running out of puff.
It's obvious that Marion is not eating her Weetbix for breaky and not putting vegemite on her toast.
Just watch Stoza, and for that matter, look at Stoza, you'll see what I mean.
I don't know sometimes.
Too much Pierce Brosnan not enough Hugh Jackman.
Matek Sands cooment were right on the money.
Marion would be well advised to take note. Dad, take notes.
Some players can see Marion comming form a mile off.
When your opponent can read you like a book it's time to re write the manuscript.
Is it time to change tactics.
Marions always been a bit hesitant to move around the court and here's an example of a player who recognizes this a chink in her otherwise brilliant armour
Great game but.
Gotta love our girl.
AND....Now we've finished practice,.....How bout a real game