Tennis: Czech into semis at ASB Classic

Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova. Photo Getty
Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova. Photo Getty
The Czech Republic's Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova is the first semi-finalist at the ASB Classic, disposing of Coco Vandeweghe 6-4 7-5 in just under two hours.

The American had a golden chance to force a deciding set -- at one stage up 5-3 and a break in the second set -- but dropped her bundle.

Her coach told her "it's up to you -- how much do you want this?" after she was broken serving for the set. Evidently not enough, as she lost the next two games and the match.

Zahlavova-Strycova was again excellent, with a remarkable ability to lift her game on the big points.

The doubles match has just got under way on centre court. It's always a good watch -- with the strategy and deception involved.

Marina Erakovic and partner Monica Puig are ahead in the fashion stakes anyway, with much sharper outfits than their Czech opponents Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka.

And the rain has thus far stayed away.

- Michael Burgess of the Herald on Sunday

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