[9] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-2 [6] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 7-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7 (52m)
Next opponent: Hania El Hammamy
Pour mémoire, this is what Rowan told me at the end of her encounter with Malak Khafagy in the previous round about Gina…
Don’t ask me how Rowan managed to make Gina crack down, I don’t have a clue!
In the first two games, Rowan was completely dominated by the English, 10/5 in the opener, 11/7, and in the second, from 5/5 to 11/5 in one hand. 9m first game, 8 the second.
“I can’t do anything right” told Rowan to her camp as she exited the court at that point. Whatever Engy Kheirellah told her player, it worked wonders.
Out of the blue, we see an Egyptian letting the arm go, attacking from good positions, perfect accuracy with her targets. And it was like Gina just disappeared. From that moment on, it was all about Rowan, who couldn’t put a racquet wrong. 8/2 11/4 in 7m, 7/0, 9/1, 11/4 in again 7m. And the same for the last game, 5/2, 9/4, 10/5, 11/7, with the video ref confirming one of Rowan’s pickup as good.
As I said, don’t ask me, I don’t have a clue….
Rowan
“I’m super thrilled! This is my first win against Gina and I came into this match very nervous. I was 2-0 down and Engy kept telling me I had nothing to lose, do your best and don’t leave the court until you’ve done your 100 per cent. I’m really happy to get through this match and beat Gina.
“This is a very special event and I want to keep pushing the top players and keep winning these matches. I’m really grateful for this win today and I’m looking forward to another match here on this amazing court with this amazing court. I’m lucky to be competing again on this court.
“I think my mental aspect mattered today, winning from 2-0 down and I haven’t done this for a while. I’m relieved to get the win today.”
.@rowanelarabyy recovers from 2-0 down to beat Gina Kennedy 😮
Here are the 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 winning moments ⬇️#PSAWorldChamps pic.twitter.com/STBikabkPK
— PSA World Tour (@PSAWorldTour) May 14, 2024
