Tennis: Obziler knocked out in 1st round at Wimbledon

34-year-old Israeli lost 6-1 in the third and final set against 18-year-old Dutchwoman Michaella Krajicek.

By ALLON SINAI
Obziler 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
Obziler 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
Tzipi Obziler's debut at Wimbledon ended in disappointing fashion on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Israeli lost 6-1 in the third and final set against 18-year-old Dutchwoman Michaella Krajicek, with the players splitting the first two sets on Monday. Krajicek wrapped the win on Tuesday in a mere 31 minutes, with Obziler never managing to get a foothold in the set. The Israeli hit 38 unforced errors throughout the match and shot herself in the foot by converting just one of nine break points. Krajicek, on the other hand, won five of her seven break points and dictated the play with her powerful serve. "Krajicek played very aggressively and Obziler didn't take advantage of her opportunities," Israel's Fed Cup coach Oded Jacob said. Obziler, who has now played in the main draw in all four Grand Slam tournaments, reached a break point in the first game of the third set on Tuesday, but the Dutchwoman held serve and broke in the subsequent game after the Israeli put her forehand in the net. Krajicek continued to hold serve with ease throughout the remainder of the set and another break in the sixth game gave her an unassailable lead.