While my photographer Jimmie48 is at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart (follow him on Twitter for live updates), I am at the Fed Cup in my city, Novi Sad, supporting Serbian team fighting Paraguay in the World Group II Play-Offs.
There are no threats for Serbia in this Fed Cup tie, since the highest ranked player from Paraguay is No.166 Veronica Cepede Royg, who straightforwardly lost the first match on Saturday to Serbian world No.77 Aleksandra Krunic, 6-1 6-3.
The second match of the day was even more contrasting, as world No.6 Ana Ivanovic faced 225th-ranked Montserrat Gonzalez and dominated 6-2 6-0.
Tomorrow we’ll have reverse singles, while team captain Tatjana Jecmenica decided to leave Jelena Jankovic for doubles alongside youngster Ivana Jorovic. I don’t want to jinx, but it’s pretty evident that Serbia will make the World Group II.
In a relaxed atmosphere after the matches, two lucky fans from the stands received signed racquets of former world No.1s Ivanovic and Jankovic.
Must be really nice for you to see some live tennis since there are not too many big tournaments played in Serbia. I have a similar situation in my country: we only have two relatively small ATP Challengers and a couple of Futures for both men and women. Live tennis is just simply so fun 🙂
P.S. Good to see Krunic winning, she’s been in a dire form recently. Even though her opponent was much more low-ranked, a win can do miracles to your confidence. Let’s hope she’ll rediscover her US form soon because that was magical to watch.
You’re so lucky that you can watch the Serbian team like in Srbija. I have always wanted to see Ana play live. I think it’s an amazing feeling. I agree with you. It’s an easy tie for Serbia and they will definitely be promoted to World Group II.
Tenniz-fan, Emman Damian, I really enjoyed it. It’s so comfortable when you get to watch top tennis players five minutes from your home. Although, I would have preferred a bigger opponent than Paraguay. Serbia was really too much stronger team.
I agree. Maybe next year since they are back in the World Group II. I hope they have a lucky draw next year. 🙂
Yes, the WG II is looking very strong next year. I hope Serbia gets a home tie so that you can watch some more live tennis, Marija. 🙂 My only worry is that how many of the top players will skip it next year having already got their Olympic eligibilities..?
Tenniz-fan, I hope so too. Well, it’s always a gamble with the Fed Cup, the WTA calendar is packed anyways, and with the Olympics it will be even more difficult for the players.
I just have to tell you, guys, I hate it that I failed to post my Sunday’s report yesterday. Team captain opted out of the reverse singles and chose young Serbian talent Ivana Jorovic, and she lost after quite a battle. Then Aleksandra Krunic sealed the deal for Serbia. In the final match of the day, the doubles rubber, Krunic and Jorovic played again and together they won. I wanted to write an article about this, but I went to the cinema and afterwards I was busy again, while today I figured it was too late to report about this. Oh well… 😛
That’s okay Marija, you’re doing a wonderful job with this blog and it must take a lot of time to keep it rolling this succesfully, so no need to worry about one report. 😉
Tenniz-fan, thanks a lot for the support! 🙂 Maybe part of my longevity in the blogging world is due to the fact that I give myself a break from time to time. Plus, I have such wonderful and understanding readers!