WTA UNICEF Open - Schiavone fights off 8 matchpoints to reach quarter finals

Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone used all her experience to survive 8 matchpoints and reach the quarter finals of the UNICEF Open in 's-Hertogenbosch

Schiavone beat Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 62 26 76(8) triumph.

"When I started the tie-break, I said 'Francesca, come on, pay attention and take two or three of the first six or seven points.' Nothing, 6-0," Schiavone told the press. "I went to the other side and told myself there is not too big a difference in winning or lose one point, so keep going and push. We will see what happens. And then I won."

She will meet former world no. 1 Kim Clijsters for a palce in the semi finals on Thursday. She has never beaten the Belgian in 11 career meetings

"I'm really happy to play against her," Schiavone told the press. "I think it's a fantastic opportunity for both of us to play a high-level match before a Grand Slam and get more time in on the grass."

Fellow Italian and No.6 seed Roberta Vinci was a 63 67(4) 60 winner over Monica Niculescu.


UNICEF OPEN
's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Singles - Second Round
(6) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 63 67(4) 60
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) 62 26 76(8)
Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) d. (WC) Arantxa Rus (NED) 64 61
(Q) Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. (Q) Daria Gavrilova (RUS) 75 76(4)

Doubles - Semifinals
(1) Errani/Vinci (ITA/ITA) d. Cibulkova/Zahlavova Strycova (SVK/CZE) 36 63 106

Doubles - Quarterfinals
(2) Kirilenko/Petrova (RUS/RUS) d. Govortsova/Minella (BLR/LUX) 75 61
Pennetta/Schiavone (ITA/ITA) d. (4) Begu/Niculescu (ROU/ROU) 64 57 103