South African leading women’s wheelchair tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane put her 3-6 6-7 (8) loss to Marjolein Buis from the Netherlands on the first day of play firmly behind her as she eased to victory on day two of the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters in Loughborough, England on Thursday evening.
The world No8 produced a master-class display at the Sport Loughborough Tennis Centre to overcome Britain’s Lucy Shuker 6-1 6-2.
‘I played my best tonight and I’m really happy. I knew today wasn’t going to be an easy one, Lucy is No7 in the world, I expected a good fight and I’m happy to win it this way,’ commented Montjane.
‘I really needed to win today after losing to Buis on Wednesday, this match was a must-win match to stay in the group stage contest. I’m happy with how I played, and am looking forward to the next round,’ added Montjane.
The 31-year-old now meets another Dutchwoman, Wimbledon champion and world No2 Diede de Groot in the third round-robin contest after De Groot held off a determined performance from compatriot Marjolein Buis to register her second win of the week 6-3 7-6.
In the quads Pool A, the country’s world No 4 Lucas Sithole went down to defending champion and world No1 David Wagner. The American, seeking a tenth NEC Masters title, defeated Sithole 6-4 6-1 on Thursday.
‘It wasn’t a good start for me today. Tomorrow it’s a must-win match. I need to win to go through’ said Sithole.
The world No4 will now face world No9 Ymanitu Silva from Brazil in Friday’s third and final day of round-robin pool.
Picture of Montjane, courtesy of Reg Caldecott