By BD Barayankar
Bengaluru, Feb 19 (.) On a warm afternoon at Centre Court, the crowd was treated to a match that had everything tennis can offer: power, precision, courage, and the ebb and flow of momentum. Belgium’s third seed Hanne Vandewinkel took on India’s promising talent Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty in a Round of 16 battle that stretched for two hours and 29 minutes. When the dust settled, Vandewinkel emerged victorious 6-2, 6-7, 6-1, but the contest belonged to both players, a showcase of resilience and skill.
The match began with Vandewinkel asserting her authority early, but Shrivalli was far from overawed. The Indian held her first service game, taking a brief 1-0 lead, but the Belgian quickly regained control. Her movement was sharp, her groundstrokes crisp, and she broke back with precision.
By the time Vandewinkel moved to a 4-1 lead, it seemed the set might slip easily from Shrivalli’s grasp. Yet the Indian showed glimpses of fight, pulling a break back for 5-2. Vandewinkel, however, closed the set 6-2 with composed aggression, winning 30 points to 20 and converting two of seven break opportunities, all while not facing a single break point.
The second set was where the drama truly unfolded. Shrivalli exploded out of the blocks, breaking immediately and consolidating her lead to move 3-0 ahead. She was striking the ball cleanly, moving her opponent around, and playing with the kind of fearless energy that can unsettle even a seeded player. Vandewinkel, ever the competitor, steadied herself and began the comeback. By the time the set reached 3-3, the pendulum of momentum had swung back and forth multiple times.
The two traded games in a tense see-saw, each refusing to yield. At 6-6, they entered a tie-break that became a test of nerves. Vandewinkel earned two match points, only for Shrivalli to save them with calm determination. The tie-break stretched to 9-7, with Shrivalli finally taking the set 7-6, having won 48 points to Vandewinkel’s 43. It was a set of psychological warfare as much as tennis, and the Indian had shown she could compete at the highest level.
The deciding set was a study in resilience and focus. Vandewinkel came out determined to seize control. She broke early, moved to 3-0, and then 4-0, returning aggressively and hitting the lines with intent. Shrivalli held briefly for 4-1, but Vandewinkel’s precision and calm under pressure proved decisive. She surged to 5-1 and eventually sealed the set 6-1, hitting three aces and converting three of five break points. Her dominance in the final stages reflected both her talent and her ability to respond when tested.
Across the match, Vandewinkel struck five aces to Shrivalli’s two, won 104 points to the Indian’s 85, and converted six of 16 break points. Shrivalli, though, was no mere footnote; she saved match points, forced a decider, and pushed the higher-ranked opponent to the limit.
In the end, the scoreboard bore Vandewinkel’s name, but the story was one of two competitors leaving everything on the court. Shrivalli’s fighting spirit and composure promised a bright future, while Vandewinkel’s ability to seize key moments underlined why she is among the top seeds. On that balmy Bengaluru afternoon, tennis was the real winner.
. . KK