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Fall to the ground, and rise sky high - Page 9

© Michael Cecilio

Prediction: PIERCE in THREE SETS
Result: PIERCE in TWO SETS (Pierce d. Seles 6-1 6-1)

4-ARANTXA SANCHEZ-VICARIO (10) versus 2-CONCHITA MARTINEZ (8)

• Head-to-Head Record: SANCHEZ-VICARIO leads 13-3
  
• Last Meeting: 99 Toronto (Hard) 3rd Round, SANCHEZ-VICARIO d. MARTINEZ 7-6(6) 6-1
  
• Claycourt Head-to-Head Record: SANCHEZ-VICARIO leads 7-2
  
• Last Claycourt Meeting: 99 Berlin 3rd Round, SANCHEZ-VICARIO d. MARTINEZ 6-1 0-6 7-5
  
• Three-Set Head-to-Head Record: SANCHEZ-VICARIO leads 5-1
  

Just as the top draw was difficult to predict, the bottom draw seems almost as difficult to predict. One thing that does stand out above anything else in trying to predict the outcome of this match is the heavy dominance of Sanchez-Vicario in their head-to-head rivalry, which is very similar to the Sanchez-Vicario/Coetzer rivalry mentioned previously. When anyone steps out on the court to play Sanchez-Vicario, they know they have to take it to her and win the match because Sanchez-Vicario is willing to stay out there all day if she has to. If you are going to play her at her own game, don't expect too much because Arantxa has proven time and time again that she is the best at what she does. Certainly Martinez and Coetzer, who play similar games to Sanchez-Vicario, know this fact and without possessing any physical weapons to impose on Arantxa, they are forced to play their counterpunching games which have generally proven to be a treat for the four-time Grand Slam champion. However, Conchita has been playing some incredibly good tennis this year, so much so that she is in fact #4 on the current Race to the Chase rankings. She has regained the confidence that she lost from last year's mediocre performances and is match tough and ready to gut out a tough battle. Arantxa may not be as match tough but certainly she is one of the best fighters on the tour and has an ability to turn a match around when things are looking impossible for her to do so. It is going to be a long and arduous baseline battle, with running and retrieving as the starring feature of this match, and grit and determination playing the supporting role for both players. Conchita can take heart in the fact that she has not played any long matches in this tournament, which may pay dividends for her in a long battle as this one may turn out to be. Arantxa, in contrast, has played some very good players to get to the semi finals and may not be as fresh as her countrywoman in this match. Nevertheless, judging on their previous results, I believe Sanchez-Vicario will end up the victor in a closely fought match as she might just have the psychological edge against Martinez to gut out the close points and close games.

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