1998 Lipton: Huber and Appelmans, A Classic on Court Two Marsha's Lipton Diary, Sunday, March 22 By Marsha Strong

    The Stadium is sold out at the Lipton. Crowds milling around the outer courts search out a promising match. Many settle in to watch Sabine Appelmans against Anke Huber on Court 2.

    The first set lives up to its promise, as Appelmans pulls it out in a tie-breaker. Huber starts the second set hitting even harder. This yields more errors for Huber, but also more outright winners. A couple of great passing shots put her up a break, and she fights off Sabine's break attempts to even the match.

    Well, the word is out all across the grounds now. The throngs surge into Court 2 until it is stuffed to capacity.

    Both players look weary, but determined. They trade ground strokes until a shot goes out or someone can come up with a clear winner. Game after game goes to deuce, and then multiple deuces. Both players are implored by the crowd to greater efforts. Between games the weariness shows, as both women slump over their racquets. But let ball hit racquet and they are both at it again, bashing the ball over the net.

    At two games all, Appelmans has a break opportunity. Her followers cheer while the Huber camp cross their fingers, exhorting Anke to hold on. Once more Huber comes back and manages to save her serve. Sabine looks dejected, and though she continues to fight, she is broken in her next service game. Her chance to go up a break has turned to her being down a break.

    Sabine doesn't quit, and neither do the fans. The battle continues until Anke finally seals it at 6-4. A satisfied crowd leaves knowing they have been part of a great match.

Want to react to this report? Click here to send us feedback.