Seems tricky, but Sania can put it across Camerin

MICKY AIGNER

PUNE, AUGUST 30: If Mashona Washington was a tough opponent for Sania Mirza in the opener yesterday, the next round could be equally tricky as Maria Elena Camerin is one of the four players who caused upsets in the women’s section on Day One at the US Open.

Sania’s inconsistency, as was evident in her first match, will surely not give her a second chance considering the form the Italian displayed to beat Dinara Safina, seeded No 21 here. With Camerin on a high, things may be bleak for Sania. Even her match stats — 21 winners, a high percentage of unforced errors (45) with only 41 per cent winners on receiving points — don’t paint an encouraging picture and suggest that a repeat would mean the end of the road for her at the Open.

But Sania has had it relatively easy against the Italians — she beat Tathiana Garbin and Roberta Vinci, both ranked much higher than Camerin, in straight sets this year. This should put the Indian psychologically in a better frame of mind. Sania also has another advantage. The hard court surface suits her style of play while the Italians are not comfortable.

Statistically, Sania has been quite progressive this year making 127 places up the WTA ladder as compared to Camerin. While Sania began 2005 ranked 169 Camerin — currently ranked 81 — has slipped from 43. Likewise, Camerin has hardly managed to negotiate an opponent beyond Round Two on hard courts, which surely puts Sania in the driver’s seat since she’s reached a final and has had an impressive preparation.

With Sania having scored wins against Top-10 players, she should be able to handle Camerin. But going by the Italian’s form, it could be anyone’s match.