[6] Joelle King (NZL) 3-0 Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-6, 11-2, 11-7 (29m)
Several factors to take into consideration for this match. One, Joelle had a very tough match yesterday, but today, knowing her opponent, she knew there wouldn’t be any traffic issues, that it would be a fluid game, that she had a good record against her (2/0), and that she was able to focus on her squash, and squash alone. That made the Nzl very relaxed and calm, which is where she plays her best squash.
Now, Nele had some bad family news, and her brain was probably not completely on the squash today. I could see her getting extremely frustrated on her first error, which is completely out of character. Also, her boyfriend is world number one, her sister is giving the world number One some serious worries, and Nele herself is working so hard, so hard. She would like to see results. And sometimes, the results don’t come quick enough. But as my dad used to say “you deserve, so you will get eventually”.
Joelle
“After yesterday, it was really important mentally to come and turn up today. Likewise for my opponent, I know the Gilis family are going through something quite tough at the moment and sometimes you realise that there is more to life than squash, you know! So I just really wish the family the best through a really tough time and I am just happy to be through today!
“I grew up with two brothers in New Zealand who practised tackling me in rugby, so I just tried to get through that match yesterday. Sometimes it looks a little worse than it is, you know, I slept like a baby last night and as I say, it is a new day the next day so you have to turn up with your best game or you’re going to lose! I am just happy I am through to another quarter final.
“It is just about who turns up on the day, especially as you get to the latter stages of an event. We are at a Platinum event so everyone wants that trophy, everyone is looking good, there’s upsets from the first round these days. It is just one step at a time!”
