Kg Determined after SA Open QF Win over Kruger

Kg Montjane will fly the flag for South Africa in the women’s semi-finals, and she is relishing another go at Dutch player Jiske Griffioen in the ACSA SA Open at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Thursday.

South Africa’s number one Montjane battled and made a slow start in the opening games of her quarter-final match against Katharina Kruger from Germany on Wednesday until, at 4-all, the 26-year-old took control to win the next two games and wrapped up the first set 6-4.

Montjane went on to completely dominate the second set, breaking the German players’ serve twice to win 6-4 6-1.

Montjane went head-to-head with Griffioen in the ACSA Gauteng Open final on Sunday, but the tournament favourite and first seed folded under the South African’s strong all-round game.

Montjane lifted the title in straight sets and now has her sights trained on this week’s final in the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour Super Series event.

“I was so disappointed when I lost to Marjolien Buis in last year’s semi-final,” the world number seven said. “I’m more experienced now, though, and I believe I have the game to back a title chase this year.

“This week is a bit different. The ACSA Gauteng Open was a Grade I event, but this one is a Super Series tournament, and there are a lot more world ranking points riding on this one.

“I’ll have to get past Jiske again to make the final, so you can bet I’m going to go all out. I expect Jiske to come at me with everything she’s got, but I took a lot of confidence from the victory on Sunday and ready for her.”

First seed Griffioen is also savouring a re-match with Montjane.

“I had a bye on Tuesday, but had a really good match against Mariska Venter,” said Griffioen, who knocked out the 16-year-old South African in straight sets 6-0 6-0.

“Kg is a tough competitor, and I am expecting another tough battle between us. I feel a lot stronger this week, though, and I’m confident that I can produce the kind of game to beat her this week.”

Second seed Buis, a finalist last year, dispatched Mabel Mankgele from South Africa 6-0 6-0. The Dutch player is looking forward to her semi-final clash against third seed Lucy Shuker from Britain, who beat local player Thando Hlatswayo 6-0 6-0.

“I think both the semi-final matches are going to be quite tough, because we are all capable of beating each other,” said Buis. “Actually, I’m the smallest player in the top 10 group, but I’m mentally very tough. That’s how I reached the world number four spot. My goal this week is simple; I’m here to win.”

(With editing by gsport)