Tennis: Hamstring trouble hastens Graf's exit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.STEFFI GRAF was forced to make an early exit from the TIG Classic in Carlsbad, California on Tuesday when she suffered a strained left hamstring during her second-round match with Amy Frazier.
Frazier had fought her way back in to the match at 4-6, 7-5, 2-1 when the third-seeded Graf retired. But the 26th-ranked American had no illusions about the likely outcome had Graf stayed healthy.
"I don't really consider it a win." Frazier, who had taken just one set in six previous encounters with the former world No 1, said. "It was 2- 1 in the third, she probably would have won. I didn't win, and to say that I beat her isn't really correct. I'm just happy with the way I played."
Graf nearly escaped unscathed, but suffered the injury at match point in the second set. "It happened at 5-4 on set point." Graf, who has won the TIG Classic four times, said. "It felt like a little pull and then I had trouble going up for my serve. But it happens and there's nothing you can do about it."
Another former champion had a better night as the second seed, Martina Hingis, defeated the American Chanda Rubin 7-5 6-3 in her first match since losing in the first round at Wimbledon. "Maybe it wasn't the best match but I won at the end, and that's the best strategy," Hingis said. "It doesn't matter what you do as long as you win the last point."
With the US Open less than a month away, Hingis hopes this tournament can provide a stepping stone back to her winning form. "I could see where I'm standing, especially against Chanda, who beat me last time," the 18- year-old Swiss said. "It was very important for me to get the confidence back."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments