-
New Zealand's Marina Erakovic - Source: Photosport -
Related
Silver service
Erakovic will have to serve like a dream. The world number 60 sent down 11 aces in her first round match on Tuesday and will need to at least match that amount on Wednesday. She will also be looking for a first serve percentage of around 80 percent (Tuesday was 60 percent) as her second serve will be cannon fodder to the powerful Russian.
Run like the wind
In the opening half hour on Tuesday the 20-year-old Kiwi looked ponderous. "It is like she is running in snow" was one media colleague's rather unkind early assessment. On Wednesday Erakovic will need to chase down every ball, stay in the point as long as possible and hustle Dementieva into errors.
If you see a chance, take it
Erakovic must take every chance that is presented to her in Wednesday's match. Serving, has long been seen as Dementieva's Achilles heel, though on Tuesday's evidence it has visibly improved. But Erakovic must look to put pressure on the Russian serve, especially the slower second.
Leave the slice in the cupboard
Erakovic used her sliced backhand to good effect against Vives-Llagostera on Tuesday, but one feels this would be sucidial against the powerful Dementieva. The Russian world number 4 will punish anything that is short or slow.
Take heart from Taiwan
World number 74 Yung-Jan Chan sprinted out to a 5-1 lead against Dementieva on Tuesday. The Taiwanese player took an aggressive approach, finding the line at will while the Russian would admit later she was nervous at the start. The New Zealand number one will surely follow the same song sheet, though of course Dementieva will better for the run.
Win the first set
No real rocket science here, but it is absolutely imperative that Erakovic, by hook or by crook, takes the first set. It will give her crucial self belief, and the roaring crowd will lift her into the realms of possibility. The young New Zealander won't come back from a set down against Dementieva.
Swinging to a win
While Erakovic was relaxing at home last night in preparation for Wednesday's big game, Dementieva found herself on centre court taking on James McOnie in the World Swingball Championships. The 27-year-old Russian could barely get bat on ball but took the embarrassing loss in good grace. Later she spent time on a meet and greet with sponsors and media. New Zealand fans can only hope that this bizarre pre-match preparation will pay dividends for Erakovic.
