Monday, February 4, 2008

Harkleroad takes the U.S. into Fed Cup semifinals

Ashley Harkleroad, whose return to pro tennis has been less than spectacular, showed what she is capable of today in her 6-4, 7-5 victory over German player Sabine Lisicki. The match, which was rained out yesterday, featured Harkleroad displaying both a cerebral advantage and some impressive defensive play.

Her opponent, if I may borrow a line from Richard O'Brien, is a "wild and untamed thing, ...a bee with a deadly sting." Lisicki hits either brilliant winners or unforced errors--she is all over the place all the time. One assumes that, as she continues her training at the Bollettieri Academy, she will learn patience and self-discipline. When that occurs, her sting will be deadly indeed.

The U.S. will play defending champion Russia in the semifinals.

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