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Newsweek Championships Cup - Indian Wells
3rd Round
Anna Kournikova beaten by Nathalie Dechy
5:7, 7:5, 6:7
March 12, 2000

 

 

The first set was a tense affair, but at 5-5 Kournikova's serve faltered and allowed Dechy to secure the crucial break. Dechy then served out the set, managing to hold a determined Kournikova off and winning on her first set point.Twenty minutes later it seemed the match was all but over, Dechy had raced into a 5-1 lead with the eighth seeded Russian's game all at sea. But    incredibly, Kournikova managed to launch an amazing fightback, and by winning the next six games she sealed the second set 7-5. Dechy  wasn't about to roll over and concede the match, she stormed ahead in the final set and left Kournikova staring defeat flat in the face.But once again, Dechy faltered and allowed Kournikova to fightback again and force a third set tiebreaker.But Dechy held firm, playing a great tiebreaker to seal the match and a memorable win.

"I had so many opportunities," said Dechy afterwards. "But I never thought it was over. I know she's a great fighter."

Kournikova was left to ponder how it had all gone wrong yet again:
"It was a strange match. We were both up and down. Any loss is disappointing but I know I can do better."

 

 

 


Find out more at Anna's offical website:
www.kournikova.com