Monday 29th Nov 2004
Monica Niculescu vs Van King
by Annie Paton
Monica Niculescu (1) suffered from more than a little jet lag when she fought off Vania King in an astonishing four hours and ten minutes, 6-4; 3-6; 7-5, to advance to the girl's 18 second round. It's the longest match she ever played.

The number one seed, who arrived here from Romania just three days ago, played a mind game as much as a tennis match. She hit to the middle of the court, to cut off any possible angles before rushing in, or she used the drop shot with devastating ease, and lobbed to send her opponent scurrying to the back court. "She's a difficult player and I knew it would be tough today," said Monica, recognizing Vania's ability. "I am so tired and I am happy that I win."

Two months ago Monica had lessons to hit flat on the forehand side, which worked well in the first set but it cracked under pressure afterwards, and she reverted back to her old standby; a very unorthodox heavy slice. "It's not my game," she said. "For six years all the time slice and I want to change but it didn't work today."

News of a possible upset buzzed around the Bollettieri Academy as worried officials peered at their watches. "Nobody chips and drop shots as much as she does," said Vania, disappointed at not taking advantage of serving with a break at 4-3 in the third set. "I had never played anyone like her before."

Vania admitted to being hindered by a sore right thigh muscle. "I felt it at the end of the second set," she explained. " I thought maybe I could play it out, but I couldn't jump off my serve." Games went 4-all then 5-all before the Romanian broke serve at 6-5, and won the match with another ruthless drop shot.

Last year Monica reached the girl's 18 singles final as a qualifier, and now she returns as the number one seed. "It's progress," she smiled. "It feels good but I have to play better."