[grs]

Originally Posted by Curcubeu

That 2nd set wasn't bad at all, I would even go as far and say she was the better player for most of it, but the mental aspect is playing a huge role here.
That 1st set was just horrible, no words for that, though.

However, she gave up numerous times in this match. She needs a coach and someone to trust in ASAP, otherwise she is risking a serious drop. She has tons of points to defend from now until the French Open.

Maybe a huge drop in ranking is what she needs for waking up and starting fulfill her talent.

[Curcubeu]

I'm always scared for our players that a drop in the rankings is equivalent to bye bye WTA...

[soimu]

I watched almost from the beginning.
Simona's goal is good but not sure if she'll get it. I hope she will.
Changing from a defensive style to an aggressive one will take time.
Hitting those winners on Vinci's second serve looked nice.
Also the Italian played efficient and did not make many real UE.

2 things annoys me;
-0/4 on BP conversion
-at 4-3 on her serve she had 40-0 and she got broken.
Vinci was smart to not let the match prolong.

Simona can really play at a higher level she just need focus during the whole match.
A good strategy and a good coach are compulsory.

[Curcubeu]

Having a look at the stats 19/22 is actually not even that bad.

I'm pretty sure dropping her coach has something to do with develeopping her game to become more agressive. Yes, it will take some time, but it's a very risky thing to do. It pays off for half of the girls (Cibulkova), but the danger of losing the plot completely is always there.

She also has to find a balance between defense and offense. She used to be far too passive in many matches, but now the opposite is the case. It's not easy for a counter-puncher to find the right margin, but she desperately needs to.

[Curcubeu]

WTA Doha, Main Draw

A Radwanska vs BYE
Zheng vs Q
Halep vs Govortsova
Paszek vs Ivanovic

Very good draw for Simona. Let's hope she is giving fucks for once.

[soimu]

Balanced first match. 51% chances
H2H is 1-0 for Simona 4-6 6-4 6-4 at some ITF in Dubai 2011.

[Curcubeu]

Really, Govortsova is a better ITF player. Keep the ball in play and you will win easily. Each time I have seen her so far she was abysmal.

Simona better stick to a more defensive gamestyle and not slap everything like she did in Paris, then she will win for sure.

[Curcubeu]

According to Livescorehunter this match will be streamed.

Just saying because I can't remember live streaming from this tournament of smaller courts.

[soimu]

Thanks for the info.

[Curcubeu]

won first set 6-1

I've never seen such an impeccable high percentage game from her, that's the way you should grind down your opponents.

[Curcubeu]

6-1 6-0

Demolition job.

Ivanovic next.

[Mary Chain]

6-1 6-0 Olga was awful

[soimu]

Solid match by Simona.
I hope she can keep going this way.

[Tennis Fool]

This is her first meeting against Ana.

[Mary Chain]

Simona she retired at 3-6 Hope nothing really serious, get well soon