Tuesday 13th December 2011
After a taking a loss yesterday, despite a great performance, Mia was back on court today for her consolation 1st round match and her doubles ¼ final with Anastasia Mikheeva while we had to say farewell to Sam.
It was a more relaxed start to the day today; Mia was first on at 9.30am for her consolation match so she warmed up on court with Sam from 8.30 – 9am before preparing her goals and match analysis sheet ready for the match at 9.30am.
Today she was up against Chloe Hughes who had narrowly lost to a tough Swiss girl in the main draw. The consolation matches are just the best of 3 short sets (up to 4 games with a tie-break if it gets to 4-4) so it’s very important to start fast and take the opportunities when they arise as the sets could be over very quickly. Unfortunately Mia was broken in the first game of the match but got the set back on level terms by breaking straight back. From this stage Chloe played some very smart tennis and only made 1 unforced error in the next 3 games as she took the set 4-1. Mia was striking the ball quite well but a combination of too many errors and playing a little into Chloe’s hands meant that the set was over very fast.
The second set was much more competitive; Mia took a 2-0 lead and looked completely in control but a short forehand error at 2-0*, 15-0* gave Chloe a real boost and a chance to stay in the set. Mia then served for the second set at 3-2 and had a set point but again Chloe came back to break and hold to take a 4-3 lead. Mia’s serve then let her down in a long 10 point game that saw Mia broken with only 20% of 1st serves going in. The final score was therefore 4-1, 5-3; it was a disappointing loss but Mia struck the ball well and if she can increase her consistency with the same level of play then she turn these results around.
After waiting around most of the afternoon to play doubles Mia and Anastasia were told that their opponents had withdrawn so they were through to the Semi’s without hitting a ball!! That then gave Mia a chance to speak to LTA National Coach Lucie Ahl who had watched both of her singles matches to find out her thoughts about the way she played. Following their talk we went back on court between 4.30-6pm and had a great session working on the areas that Lucie and I had identified in her matches. It’s always good for the players to get feedback from other coaches especially when they’re as experienced as someone like Lucie.
Once Mia had cooled down and stretched out we went back to the hotel to shower and change before meeting up with Rob Booth and the West Hants team for dinner at the Pub. It was then an early night as Mia has arranged a practice set with Ema Lazic at 7.30am tomorrow morning!
Schedule for tomorrow:
Girl’s Doubles Semi-Final:
Holly Thompson (GBR) & Georgie Walker (GBR) vs (2) Anastasia Mikheeva (GBR) & Mia Smith (GBR) – 5th round after 9.30am
