Anne slips to heartbreaking defeat
Agonisingly close to victory, the British No.3 bows out of Wimbledon after succumbing to a comeback from Anastasia Rodionova
Anne Keothavong was denied a spot in the second round at Wimbledon after Anastasia Rodionova fought back for a 3-6 6-2 6-4 victory in a match of fluctuating fortunes for both players.
The British No.3 looked destined to become the first home player to progress in the tournament after breaking twice in the final set. But just when Keothavong had looked home and dry after racking up a 4-0 advantage, her Australian opponent hit back in heartbreaking fashion, levelling the set in an epic 15-minute game, before holding serve and clinching a third break of the set for the win.
“I think nerves just got the better of me, to be honest,” lamented the 26-year-old after watching the match slip away. “You know, I really fought my heart out out there. She held her nerve better than I did. She’s the one who walks off the court with a win.”
In spite of the loss, Keothavong admitted that she has a lot to be thankful for following a lengthy spell on the sidelines last year.
“This past year has been a tough road for me,” she said. “I’m coming back from a second knee surgery, so there’s lots of positive for me coming into this Wimbledon. I’m just grateful for being able to do a job that I love, that I’m fit and healthy.
“You know, six months ago, I was limping around still. It’s just one of those things, and life goes on.”