22-06-2012, 09:47 AM
Former semi-finalist Lucic books Wimbledon return
A scream of jubilation punctuated former Wimbledon semi-finalist Mirjana Lucic's final round qualifying triumph as the heavy-hitting Croatian booked a return to the main draw.
While it is a long way from her dream run as a 17-year-old at The All England Club in 1999, it clearly meant a lot to the player now ranked No.129 in the world.
It was a little bit of happiness, relief, everything," the 30-year-old told Wimbledon.com of her post-match yell for joy after beating Bibiane Schoofs of The Netherlands 7-5, 6-4.
"I was one out of main draw so I almost didn't have to play qualies. When I figured out I wasn't in the main draw I took it as a challenge but also as really good practice.
"I played against really tough opponents today and yesterday against (Gisela) Dulko, a great player as well.
"She (Schoofs) was playing unbelievable first set, I didn't even feel like I was playing bad but yeah, I saved three set points and I'm really happy about that; I was able to win in two."
While Lucic has won just one match at Wimbledon since her semi-final run 13 years ago, she admits she still feels most comfortable on the grass at SW19.
"I just love it. It's so beautiful and it's the most important, one of the best tournaments there is. I mean, it is the top of everything in tennis so I always get so excited when I come back," she said.
A scream of jubilation punctuated former Wimbledon semi-finalist Mirjana Lucic's final round qualifying triumph as the heavy-hitting Croatian booked a return to the main draw.
While it is a long way from her dream run as a 17-year-old at The All England Club in 1999, it clearly meant a lot to the player now ranked No.129 in the world.
It was a little bit of happiness, relief, everything," the 30-year-old told Wimbledon.com of her post-match yell for joy after beating Bibiane Schoofs of The Netherlands 7-5, 6-4.
"I was one out of main draw so I almost didn't have to play qualies. When I figured out I wasn't in the main draw I took it as a challenge but also as really good practice.
"I played against really tough opponents today and yesterday against (Gisela) Dulko, a great player as well.
"She (Schoofs) was playing unbelievable first set, I didn't even feel like I was playing bad but yeah, I saved three set points and I'm really happy about that; I was able to win in two."
While Lucic has won just one match at Wimbledon since her semi-final run 13 years ago, she admits she still feels most comfortable on the grass at SW19.
"I just love it. It's so beautiful and it's the most important, one of the best tournaments there is. I mean, it is the top of everything in tennis so I always get so excited when I come back," she said.
Zelfs hier lukt het je nog niet om top 10 te eindigen...