Sara Errani – Bad Gastein 2015

Unfortunately we could not celebrate the second final in a row today because our Sarita Errani did not make it through the derby against a focused Karin Knapp.

A tough day for both nonetheless, since the winner of the clash would have had to face the well-rested finalist Sam Stosur right after the end of the first match due to the forced rain postponement occurred yesterday.

Nevertheless, both Sara and Knapp went all the way for the chance to fight for the title and put their best game at stake. It was a high-quality semifinal without a doubt: knowing each other very well, the Fed Cup partners battled on every single inch of the court to find their way into the other’s defense.

Sarita rushed out the starting blocks with a 3-0 lead but the Alto-Adige native got right back at her and levelled the disadvantage to start the real fight until the tie-break. Truth to be told, avoidable if Sara would have succeeded in capitalising at 6-5, 30-0, not letting her opponent to push back to gain the first set.
The n.1 of Italy seeked and found the way to turn around in the second, immediately grabbing a break and containing Karin’s comeback at 5-3. It was her coach who suggested her to push more with the serve and get open shots with the forehand at the beginning of the final set, giving her  key of the match (2-5). Still, even though Sarita didn’t give up and switched on warrior mode to put off a 3-games winning streak, she had another energy low in the 11th game so that her opponent finally had the chance to seal the win. Final score: (4)6-7, 6-4, 5-7.

Sara Errani – Bad Gastein @Spaziotennis

Do not worry about this pic taken right at the end of the match: you saw Sara limping out the court due to a right leg bother occurred in the last point, but we have been told it was only a little cramp. Our champion is safe and sound and closes her 2015 clay season with the WTA winning record (24)!