Casey Dellacqua Stuns Amelie Mauresmo, Becomes New Australian No. 1
Article by Aaress Lawless on Jan 18, 2008 | Print |
Casey Dellacqua is a welcome breath of fresh air in a country struggling to cultivate tennis talent.
Playing on the grandest stage in Australian tennis, the twenty-two year old lefty defeated 2006 singles champion Amelie Mauresmo in three sets 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 for the biggest win of her career.
The last time Australia had a female player in the fourth round of the Australian Open was Alicia Molik in 2005.
After winning on Friday night, Dellacqua is guaranteed to overtake Samantha Stosur on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings for the No. 1 Australian tennis ranking.
“It feels amazing,” said Dellacqua after the match about her new accomplishment. “Obviously, I’m in a great caliber of girls, and with Alicia and Samantha and Pratty. To be No. 1, to lead Australia is amazing.”
The support of the crowd was a big factor in her win over Mauresmo, and something guaranteed to continue as she progresses through the main draw.
“It was an amazing feeling because I could feel the whole crowd,” Dellacqua said.
“I could feel Rod Laver almost like vibrating because the crowd was so loud. It was just awesome.”
Her next match will be tough, but it is certainly winnable. Jelena Jankovic has been plagued with injuries over the last couple of weeks, and has not yet enjoyed an easy win at Melbourne Park.
Dellacqua knows that if she takes her chances and sticks to her own game plan, a berth in the quarterfinals may beckon.
“Obviously she’s a great mover,” added Dellacqua about Jankovic. “She moves around the court unbelievably well.”
“I think if I can stick to my game plan and be aggressive and do the things that I do well, then, you never know.”
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Nick | Jan 18, 2008 | Reply
I really don’t konw what is happening with Amelie, I am 500% sure it has nothing to do with injuries or her surgery last year.
She is having some kind of mental breakdown that is just tremendously bizarre. She has not been able to pull out some great matches in a row. I think her best match since last year was the Final against Henin in Eastbourne. Since then it has been all downhill.
Aaress | Jan 18, 2008 | Reply
I agree Nick, it’s really sad to see how poorly Amelie is doing at the moment.
It is as if she has not been able to get herself back together after taking so much time off last season.
I thought she struggled with nerves before winning her two Grand Slams, but this is taking it to an all-new level.
Vicki | Jan 18, 2008 | Reply
Can’t anyone just say that Casey played too well. Yes Amelie has been in form slump but Casey played really and deserved her win and why can’t people giver due credit.
I enjoyed the match as it was highly entertaining look forward to watching Casey take on Jankovic tomorrow.