Errani faced problems with her serve but proved too good at the end for Vinci. PHOTO: REUTERS
Errani and Vinci are the world’s top-ranked doubles pairing, having won three of the past four grand slams.
They also practice together and that made for a strange encounter, with neither player celebrating winning key points.
“It was tough playing against a friend, sometimes it happens and you just have to try to play normally,” said Errani.
The world number seven now has a 5-2 winning record against Vinci, coming out on top in their last five meetings.
Vinci had shown the better form in Dubai, winning in straight sets in the opening three rounds and beating top 10 opponents in Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Australian Samantha Stosur along the way, but she faltered against her buddy, winning only two of nine service games.
When Vinci did try to inject more power into her shots, she was often found wanting and although she saved two set points on her own serve, Errani was not to be denied on a third as another poor backhand ceded her the first set.
The players traded breaks at the start of the second set and overall eight of the first 11 games went against serve.
Errani, again playing with a heavily strapped left thigh, went 4-1 up in the second set and she eventually saw out the match.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ