QF: Millie dominates the front of the court against Alicia

[7] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-2 [4] Alicia Mead (ENG) 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 2-11, 11-4 (48m)

An interesting match today between Millie and Alicia. A first game where both made the rallies as long as possible, and where there was not much between the two the whole game: 6/6, 7/7, 8/8, 10/8 for Alicia, a superb return of serve from Millie, who saves one game ball but cannot retrieve an excellent crosscourt that dies at the back corner. 11/9 in 11m, the longest game of the match.

A bit of a strange second game, with both girls neck to neck up to 4/4, but a big push from Millie, 10/4, game ball to level one game all. A good response from Alicia, but she finally bows 11/7 (7m game).

Errors started to creep in Alicia’s game, and those errors make the difference with a very steady squash from Millie, who dominates the third, 9/3, 11/5, against 5 unforced errors from Alicia, with the rallies very short now.

The fourth sees a complete change of thrones, with maybe a second wind from Alicia – she is recovering from COVID – and she whizzes through 11/2! 2 games all.

The fifh is all about the hold and flicks from Millie, who is now completley in control, 9/2, 11/4, 8m last game…

Millie

I definitely thought the tactical side was important, but it was also a little bit mental, in the fifth certainly.

Those who were implementing her game plan more effectively were dominating. Also, the rallies were longer at the start, and that normally is to my advantage. Even if I’m feeling pain, mentally, I can push through it. So I don’t think that being older makes any sort of difference that way.

I’m again not sure who I am playing tomorrow… I think it’s Melissa and the last time we played, she chopped me! So I have nothing to lose, no pressure!

photos fersen_sherkann