Sabine Lisicki from Berlin has not lost her clout Photo: dpa
By Sebastian Kayser
Sabine Lisicki (32) won the first round of qualifying at the bett1 Open against the American Asia Muhammad (31) 6:4, 6:4 and will be playing for a place in the main draw on Sunday. Opponent: Australia’s Daria Saville-Gavrilova (28), number 104 in the world.
Striking: Even after an 18-month break from competition due to a serious knee injury, the Berliner still has her bum in her arms. The serves came consistently at 180 to 195 km/h. Top: 200 km/h. It holds the world record at almost 211 km/h.
“It was clear to me that the bang was there, but everything is not the same as before. I’m a perfectionist. This will need time. The processes must be further automated.”
After 70 minutes and work done, the tears rolled. “It was only a qualifying match, but it’s worth a lot to me. One of the best feelings, playing at home in my club and on my favorite surface,” said Lisicki.
Sabine Lisicki is beaming all over her face after her victory in qualifying, the comeback in Berlin means a lot to her Photo: dpa
Many friends had come to support the 2013 Wimbledon finalist. “I was almost crying when I got on the pitch, I had goosebumps.
Nobody can imagine what that means to me. It is a huge reward for this 18 month hard fight to come back.”
