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WIMBLEDON 2013: Japanese Komiko Date-Krumm still looking to make amends for Steffi Graf defeat 17 years ago


Still going strong: She gave up tennis for 12 years after losing to Steffi Graf at Wimbledon

 

When Komiko Date-Krumm steps onto Centre Court this afternoon she will be more than just the oldest woman to have competed in the Third Round of a Grand Slam.
The Japanese veteran faces defending champion Serena Williams with memories in her mind still fresh of the moment when her own dream of dominating the championships disappeared.
Date-Krumm, 42, has played at the iconic venue just once since losing in controversial fashion to Steffi Graf in the semi-final, some 17 years ago.
Rolling on: Kimiko Date-Krumm defeated Alexandra Cadantu of Romania in the second round
Rolling on: Kimiko Date-Krumm defeated Alexandra Cadantu of Romania in the second round
And, were it not for a call for bad light by the umpire and the German champion’s insistence that it was too dark to see, Date-Krumm’s life could have turned out very differently.
Shortly afterwards, the amiable right-hander took a 12-year break from the game, returning to professional competition in 2007.
As she contemplated breaking the record of Virginia Wade, who reached the same round back in 1985, aged 39, Date-Krumm vividly recalled how close she came to glory.
After losing the first five matches of the opening set, the Japanese stunned Graf by grabbing the second. The momentum was all with the underdog, until her opponent forced the proceedings to a close.
'I remember that day,' said Date-Krumm, 'I remember it well. It rained in the morning and then we were called on court.
'We started playing and split the sets. I could still see the ball - but Steffi just didn’t want to play.
Still going strong: She gave up tennis for 12 years after losing to Steffi Graf at Wimbledon
Still going strong: She gave up tennis for 12 years after losing to Steffi Graf at Wimbledon
'She really doesn’t want to continue. The supervisor came and said that it was too dark and that we needed to come back the next day - so I had no choice.
'When I came back, Steffi was back to normal and I had no chance. It was the closest I came to reaching a Grand Slam final.
'Many people have said to me since then: ''Why didn’t you complain?''
'I just thought the supervisor was very strong and that I had no choice.
'But it’s still a good memory.'
The odds will once again be stacked against the forty-something with Williams the overwhelming favourite to reach the last 16.
What a feat: At 42, Date-Krumm is easily the oldest person left in either singles draws
What a feat: At 42, Date-Krumm is easily the oldest person left in either singles draws
Date-Krumm insists the secret of her on-court longevity is green tea. She carries a tea-pot around with her. And a flask.
'I think it’s amazing that I’m in the Third Round at the age of 42,' she said, 'I can’t believe it.
'This year I skipped the clay court season and focused on grass. I’m in good condition and my tennis is too.
'I played Venus two years ago but, of course, there is big difference. Serena has more power and speed. And confidence. She has everything.
'Hopefully, it will rain. They will close the roof. I need to try my best. I’m in good condition and my tennis has been good.
'I’m looking to stay out there an hour-and-a-half.'
 

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