Li through to third round in Edgbaston
Treacherous court conditions forced Anne to play within herself against the Chinese world No.11
On another grey day in Edgbston, Anne Keothavong is out of the AEGON Classic after losing her second round encounter with world No.11 Na Li 6-2 6-4 in a match that under different circumstances may not have taken place.
The former British No.1, who returned to the tour just four months ago following reconstructive surgery to her left knee, played within herself against the tournament’s top seed as patches of the outer courts still showed signs of damp following the week’s wet weather.
With time running out to complete a tournament beset by rain that has reduced playing time on the Centre Court to just 25 minutes over three days, Anne admitted that despite being asked to play on a court that she described as unsafe in places the players were simply keen to get through their match.
“The conditions have been frustrating for all the players this week. Unfortunately we can’t control what the weather does, but you have to get on with it and find a way.
“It’s tough because the court was slippery and damp and there were patches where I didn’t think it was particularly safe, especially for someone like me who’s had two knee surgeries. I’m not going to go hell for leather on a wet grass court.
“The tournament has to continue, the weather hasn’t been good but matches have to be completed in one form or another. We were told that if we didn’t want to continue, or felt it was unsafe, we could stop, but it’s Thursday and second‑round matches need to be played. You have to get on with it.”
Anne is still in the doubles event in Edgbaston alongside Melanie South, and has received a wildcard entry into next week’s AEGON International in Eastbourne in the run-up to Wimbledon, where she qualified without the need to use her protected rankings or a wildcard following her time out through injury.
“That was one of my big goals when I returned from knee surgery in February, and to get there on my own merit and without needing to use my protected ranking, along with the French {Open], shows what a strong start I made on my return.”