Vaidisova reaches second round
Nicole Vaidisova
One of the biggest non-major tournaments began yesterday in California, as the BNP Parisbas Open (formally the Pacific Life Open) at Indian Wells started. Only the women played their first round matches yesterday, and for Nicole Vaidisova, it was a very good start. The Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy alum defeated Michaella Krajicek (who also trains at the NBTA) 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the second round. Vaidisova has had some success here in the past, as she went to the quarterfinals back in 2007 before falling to Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets. Her opponent in round two will be 24th-seeded Alona Bondarenko, whom she is 1-0 against.
This is an excellent sign for Vaidisova that she is perhaps back on the right path. She has struggled for a while now, but hopefully this win will be a sign of things to come. We all know she has the talent to beat the best, she just needs to play consistent tennis and she will find her way back up the rankings. Good luck to Nicole in the second round!
Two other NBTA players took the courts yesterday, but both came up empty-handed. Both Michelle Larcher de Brito and Sabine Lisicki had chances to win their matches, but neither could capitialize. Larcher de Brito lost to Urszula Radwanska 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 and Lisicki was beat by Elena Vesnina 7-6(4), 7-5. Tough losses for both girls, but I am confident they can rebound and make some noise throughout the rest of 2009.
About Michelle’s tennis play at Indiana Wells.
Why is she delivering so many double faults? 35 double faults on 35 service games on 3 matches. That’s a severe handicap to her game. Under this circumstance to win a set Michelle needs to break is opponent service at least twice (in the last set against Radwanska it wasn’t enough). That a huge task you must admit. And most of the times she gets it. Thanks to is marvellous tennis. Bravo Michelle!!!
Is this a problem related to physical strength because she is only 16 years old and is still growing or is this a question of technical gesture or skill? Are you guys at the academy working with Michelle to improve her serve? How soon can he expect to see Michelle doing well with her serve?
I´m sure that you are giving Michelle the best of your expertise at the academy.Michelle deserves it. Don’t you think so?
Please, give a big hug to Michelle from all fans here in Portugal.
Thanks for the question. Michelle has been working hard on her serve at the Academy and has made good progress thus far. With limited tournament play, she still is working on implementing everything we have been working with her on. We have to remember that she is only 16 years old and there is plenty to like about her game.
Thank you for your reassuring words about Michelle. You’re right: she is only 16 years old and there’s plenty of time in front of her to improve her tennis skills. After all, I think she is performing very well right now. Again I agree with you: there is plenty to like about her game, exciting and courageous, and, if you allow me, also about herself, as the graceful and cheerful young woman she is.