Dominique playing in Leipzig 1999

Anne won the toss and decided to serve. It was an easy service game for her including one servicewinner (0:1). Dom had some more problems, because Anne’s returns were very well. The game went over „deuce“ but with one ace and a winner Dominique got the game (1:1). In Anne’s next service game Dominique had some chances to break her (three times „deuce“) but some great shots by Anne and a lob by Dom which was too long helped Anne to earn the 1:2. Now Dom had problems again to held the service and after serving a doublefault Anne used her first chance (1:3). But suddenly Anne served two doublefaults in a row and with a great return by Dom it was 0:40 - that meant three breakchances for Dominique. She already used the first (2:3) and the set was open again. Because of three unforced errors by Anne and a great dropshots Dom held her service to „love“ (3:3). Dominique played much better now than in the beginning of the set and had now two breakchances again vs. Anne. She used the second (4:3). The next game’s highlight was a wonderful rally between the two opponents, but with the better end for Dominique. With an ace she held the service (5:3). Now Anne served against the set. She served a doublefault and two more unforced errors by Anne gave Dom three chances to win the first set. Anne served another doublefault and that’s why it was the first set for Dominique (6:3). Yeah !!!

The second set didn’t continue than the first ended, because Dominique didn’t serve so well now. Anne had three breakchances and Dom played a doublefault (0:1). Although Dom had one chance for the rebreak, Anne held her service (0:2). Now Dominique had much more troubles with her service, because two more breakchances for Anne. And Dom served a doublefault once again. It was a close decision by the chair umpire. Dom thought her serve was still in, but the umpire from Italy gave the point to Anne (0:3). With two unforced errors by Dom and service winner by Anne - 0:4. Now Dominique held her service game for the first time in this second set - to „love“ (1:4). Was she woken up ? No, it wasn’t Dom’s fault, Anne played incredible. Her next service game she won to „love“ again without any chance for Dominique (1:5). Now Dom served against the set. Anne already had one setpoint, but Dom „survived“ (2:5). But now Anne served for the set. She used the fourth setpoint with an ace (2:6).

Dominique started to serve into this final set. The game was dominated by winners of both players, with the better end for Dom (1:0). Now Anne served an ace and with two more winners she earned the 1:1. In the next game there were two more discussions with the chair umpire. Dom felt angry about it, but nevertheless she won the game (2:1). Now Anne won her service to „love“ (2:2). Dom had to serve now, but she had problems once again. Suddenly three breakchances for Anne and she used the first (2:3). Was it the end ? It seemed so, because there were no problems in Anne’s service (2:4). Now Anne played three unforced errors in a row which helped Dom to win her service game (3:4). But to „love“ Anne held her game (3:5). Now Dom served against the match. She had troubles again with the service. Anne had two matchpoints and with a winner she won the match. 6:3, 2:6, 3:6.

Of course, Dominique was disappointed. I think her problem today was her service. She served to much doublefaults. Anne has a great return and I think this was the key to the match.

For further information about Dominique’s action in Leipzig 1999 go to Lindsey’s Natasha Zvereva homepage.

Report by:
Sandra Schmidt
(schmidti123@hotmail.com)
Miriam Oremans Homepage