Back on the courts after a three-week break, Diane Parry honored her selection with the French tennis team this Saturday, ending with a victory over the Colombian No. 2.
This week, the French tennis team is fighting for its survival in the world group of the Billie Jean King Cup. It’s in Colombia that the French team has their meeting this Saturday. Present with the French group for nearly a week, the Nice native was selected with the label of French No. 1. Still in the Top 50 after her successful Osaka tournament, the Azurรฉenne is now a strong link in the team.
Facing Emiliana Arango (ranked 180th in the world, 23 years old), a clay court specialist, the match had all the makings of a trap game. Especially since Diane Parry hadn’t played on this surface since her round of 16 at the Olympics against Iga Swiatek. Despite being the favorite, the Nice player took some time to get into the match. Understandably, given the elements explained earlier.
Coached by Julien Benneteau, the captain of the French team, Diane Parry didn’t panic. Especially since on the opposing side, the Colombian didn’t seem to be having a good day. With a first serve percentage of 33%, it was difficult to hope for anything. Adding to that seven unforced errors in the first set, break points came quickly. Although the French player lost her first service game, Emiliana Arango only won one. Diane Parry easily took the first set (6-2).
Diane Parry injures her knee
On home ground, the Colombian regrouped in the second set. The match heated up and Diane Parry twisted her knee early in the set. After being attended to by the French team’s trainer, the Maralpine took some time to regain her rhythm.
Hindered by this twist, her movements were less fluid. Fortunately, it seemed to be more fear than harm. “I was scared for my knee and am happy to have been able to finish the match and offer this point. Now, we have to see exactly what’s wrong, luckily it doesn’t seem too serious,” she said after the match. On the other side, Emiliana Arango failed to raise her level of play. Diane Parry took advantage by gritting her teeth. After saving three more break points at 5-4, she managed to finish on her first match point.
Final score (6-2/6-4) in 1h37 with quite a scare. The Nice player is expected to undergo tests to check the condition of her knee in the coming hours. Meanwhile, Clara Burel will have to face the Colombian No. 1, Camila Osorio. For now, Diane Parry is still scheduled to be on the court tomorrow. Unless her knee doesn’t allow it.
