Kim hands Cinderella her slipper, Enqvist shakes off the rust, and more
Tennis Masters Series - Indian Wells: March 13, 2001
by Ed Toombs
Our first two women's semifinalists are now determined, as Martina Hingis and Kim Clijsters lock up spots in the final four and we wave a fond farewell to our engaging tournament Cinderella, wild card Elena Bovina. Meanwhile, there was plently of hot and heavy action in the men's draw as the first round was completed.
Kim Clijsters (14) def. Elena Bovina (WC), 6-2 6-2
Quarterfinal
Stadium 2
Previous head-to-head: First meeting Elena Bovina has been the surprise of the tournament. There was a lot of buzz around the grounds about this very tall (6'2"), 17-year-old Muscovite: fans were impressed with her powerful baseline game and impressive serve. She used these weapons to get past four opponents, including world #6 Conchita Martinez and 36th-ranked Nathalie Dechy, astonishingly reaching the quarterfinals as a wild card. Today Bovina met her match: she was comprehensively beaten by 14th-seeded Kim Clijsters, 6-2, 6-2, in 66 minutes. Clijsters, out of Belgium, is also just 17, but she is already ranked in the top 20 and has convinced many observers that she has the talent to challenge the sport's elite very soon. Kim will get a chance to see if she is ready for prime time on Thursday, as she will challenge Martina Hingis in the semifinals. This was probably the wrong match on which to attempt to judge Bovina's potential. The Russian was surely a bit overwhelmed by the occasion, and was probably weary after her exertions in a long three-set triumph over Dechy yesterday. Despite some impressive winners at times, she was unable to consistently match the crisp and efficient Clijsters in extended rallies. The well-spoken Bovina explained the difference between the two players as well as anyone could: "For this moment, she's just better than me. I just have to work on some things
Like, I think she's stronger than me physically. And she's always hitting the ball earlier than I did." | |
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