Yesterday’s day having been disrupted, Diane Parry had an appointment this Sunday for her semi-final against Suzan Lamens, with the goal of reaching her first final of the season.
The last seeded player still in the running in Osaka, Diane Parry was seen as the favorite this weekend in Japan. Being the only player not to have played in the qualifiers, she had freshness on her side. But the forced day of rest yesterday reset the counters to zero. This recovery period even had a detrimental effect on the Nice-born player, who struggled to get into her match against Suzan Lamens (25 years old, 125th in the world).
Right from the start, she conceded a break to her opponent with a double fault. Not on her game, she couldnโt respond to the Dutch playerโs forehand. Diane Parry managed to score a few points by varying her play, but she made too many unforced errors. More solid on serve, Suzan Lamens was never troubled in this first set, which she eventually won (6-2) after another break at the end of the set.
A tense end to the match
The second set was more contested. Diane Parry played more powerfully, and the trend seemed to reverse, as often happens in the Azurรฉenne’s matches. But it was at this moment that the player from Nice missed opportunities, notably on a smash returned by Suzan Lamens. Two unforced errors and another double fault later, the player from Nice was trailing again. Not sharp enough in crucial moments, it was difficult to hope for a comeback in a match still within reach. Slightly under pressure, the Dutch player tensed up, giving a glimpse of a comeback opportunity for the Maralpian. Diane Parry eventually found the key to come back to 4-4 thanks to a stunning down-the-line backhand attack. A short-lived return, as her opponent secured four breakpoints in quick succession. The first three were saved well, but to no avail.
Suzan Lamens qualified for the final in Osaka by defeating the French player (6-2, 6-4). She even went on to win the title a few hours later against Kimberly Birrell. It’s a shame for Diane Parry, who will console herself this Monday with her entry into the top 50. She should even achieve her best career ranking, around the 45th position.
