British Open 2006
Having got the draw for the British Open a few weeks ago I had decided to go down to Nottingham the night before my match against world number 3 Rachel Grinham from Australia.
Vicky Botwright and I practised the day before our matches and then stayed at the Plaza hotel. My match was second on at 1pm so I had an early practise at 9am with Jenny Duncalf and then stayed around the club until my match.
I went on court on time at 1pm and got off to a flying start 5-1 up. After Rachel gathered herself alittle the game became longer and I eventually took it 9/5. The first game was hard work and I didn't stick to my game plan as well in the second. Rachel got some momentum and took that game 9/2. As the second game wasn't as hard as the first I felt quite recovered to push again with my game plan in the third. I played well and took that 9/4. Being 2-1 up was a situation I had never been in before against Rachel and I wanted to take full advantage if I could. Unfortunately I didn't make the best of starts in the 3rd game and Rachel came out hard. I was fighting the whole game to catch her, from 6/2 down and then 8-6 down. When I did level at 8/8 it had taken alot out of me. I managed to go 9-8 up and have my first and what would turn out to be my only match ball. I played it well but Rachel came up with a great drop shot to get 8-9. She leveled at 9-9 and took the game by serving at my body and I hit the tin. Bitterly disapointed having not took that game I went off to re-group.
The fifth was always going to be hard. I still thought I was in with a chance but my legs were really tired. I could see that she was also tired but couldn't extend the rallies enough to make her work. I lost the fifth after 83mins 9/4 and although I was bitterly disapointed I was really happy with the way I played. I know now that if I can get to match ball then I can win next time.
I hope Rachel goes on and does well!! I'll be back at the British next year in Manchester.