Brandi-Morariu: the Lower-Ranked Players Battle on Day Two Marsha's Lipton Diary, Friday, March 20 By Marsha Strong

    Because of the late start caused by by yesterday's rain (still cursing my colleague Ed for this!), matches began on the Grandstand and outer courts at 10:00 instead of 11:00, and five to six matches were scheduled on each.

I find the first days at a large tournament like this a little discombobulating. So much activity and so many choices! Out of loyalty to her uncle Andy (who coaches tennis at the University of Florida, of course), I decided to watch the match between Kristina Brandi and another young US player, Corina Morariu. When I arrived Kristina was already up a break in the first set, and she held on to win that set 6-3. Then Corina mounted her comeback to take the second, 7-5.

    Once again, as was true in the McNeil/Hy-Boulais match I spoke of yesterday, I felt like both women were finally ready to "get down to business" in the third set and the play was remarkably even and high-quality through the first six games. I got a kick out of listening to some of the comments of spectators seated behind me. One was speculating as to which Eastern bloc country Morariu was from (she is an American of Romanian ancestry). Another person thought Corina was Kristina and vice versa. Nevertheless, all 15 of us who were watching the match seemed to be enjoying it immensely!

    It always seems a shame to me that more fans don't use the early rounds to check out the lower-ranked players. You can assume you will be able to catch the "stars" later on in the week, but these up-and-comers you only get a few chances to watch. But to each each's own, I guess. I'm just glad to see so many, many fans all milling around. It's a rush, for sure! Who says tennis isn't popular in the US?

    Oh yeah, back to Brandi/Morariu. Kristina eked out one break and won 7-5 in the third. I'm sure her daddy Joe and uncle Andy were proud!

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