South Africa’s Amanda Coetzer dethroned defending champion Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-4 here on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals of the 2.1 million-dollar WTA Masters Series tournament.
”It is a nice feeling,” said Coetzer. ”As I get older I really appreciate these wins now more than I did a few years ago. ”I know it is not going to last forever.”
Coetzer, making her 13th appearance here, closed out the match when the 19-year-old Slovakian hit a forehand that sailed wide of the line. Coetzer played a solid game, making just 32 unforced errors to Hantuchova’s 55.
”It means a lot to me to be able to close out a match like I did against a top player,” said Coetzer. ”I know it doesn’t always look like I am having fun out there, but deep inside I am.”
Third seed Hantuchova, who beat Swiss star Martina Hingis in the final last year to capture her first WTA title, also had trouble with her serve, winning just 42% of her second serves.
”I was really looking forward to coming back here and doing well,” said Hantuchova.
”But I gave away too much and she deserved to win. It is disappointing to lose, but it is just a tennis match and I have to move on and concentrate on the next tournament.”
With the victory, the 31-year-old Coetzer booked a date in the final eight of the hard-court event against either Switzerland’s Emmanuelle Gagliardi or Spain’s Conchita Martinez.
Coetzer is in her 16th WTA season and has won nine career singles titles. She reached the finals here in 1993 and 1994. Coetzer is trying to regain her form after being ranked 21st at the end of 2002. It was the first time the three-time Grand Slam
semi-finalist had finished a year outside the top 20 since 1991.
Hantuchova had beaten Coetzer in both prior meetings. ”When I played her before, each time I needed to finish a point I did,” said Hantuchova. ”But today I wasn’t able to do it.”
Coetzer’s speed surprised Hantuchova, who is one of the tallest players on the women’s circuit. ”She’s just a little girl but it is amazing how fast she is,” said Hantuchova.
Top seed Kim Clijsters of Belgium plays France’s Nathlie Dechy later with a quarter-final berth at stake. – Sapa-AFP