Thumbs up to Agnieszka anyway

    On January 23rd Agnieszka Radwańska played against Daniela Hantuchova in the first quarter-final of a Grand Slam tournament in her life, and the first for Polish tennis in 28 years since the legendary for Poles Wojciech Fibak.

    Agnieszka lost 2-6, 2-6 but was far from being outclassed, although she evidently lost her heart in a game or two. Bur most of the games were a picture of a tough battle between two players with similar styles and comparative skills, with advantages being taken several times by one or the other before a game was won.

    Agnieszka managed to show some skill and some gravel, too. Yet it wa not enough to come out victorious. She had all it would take to win, she just seemed too stressed or afraid to use it.

Radwańska is known for not feeling good when playing as the favorite. She had beaten Hantuchova before, thus giving Polish supporters high hope before the game. Yet we must remeber that the previous game was a horse of another color as Hantuchova did not really care if she won, and was much more tired form previous matches.

This quarter-final however was to be also Daniela's chance to make her dream come true and she put all her heart into it. Even though the two ladies play with similar skill, it is the Slovakian who has more experience and tricks - and is not afraid to use them. All in all a well deserved win from Daniela and a well fought battle from Agnieszka. Thumbs up and hats off to the Polish youngster. Better luck next time - or at least: play as good.