August 15, 2006

Stephanie Dubois - Tennis Canada

Two Quebecers shine on Centre Court

Marie-Ève Pelletier of Repentigny and Stéphanie Dubois of Laval have become the first Quebecers since 1984 to advance to the second round of the Rogers Cup.

Early in the afternoon, Pelletier disposed of 16th seed Na Li of China, a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon this year, while Dubois ousted World No.57 Tathiana Garbin of Italy,

6-4, 6-4.

Later in the afternoon, Aleksandra Wozniak of Blainville was hoping to join her compatriots in the second round but the experience of 31-year-old Ai Sugiyama of Japan, ranked 27th in the world, was too much for the young Quebecer, who was eliminated 6-3, 7-5. Wozniak, 18, was serving for the second set at 5-4, but Sugiyama took complete control of the match after a meeting with her coach during the changeover.

Dubois’ match, on the other hand, occurred in four stages. The first delay came with the rain after the first set on Monday night, with two more to follow during downpours on Tuesday afternoon. Between the sun, the rain and the wind, the match demanded nothing less than nerves of steel by the players.

Garbin jumped to a quick 4-1 lead in the second set, but Dubois saved her best performance for last, winning five straight games to post the historic win. It’s the first time two Quebecers have posted singles wins at this event. Until now, the only player to advance to the second round was Hélène Pelletier in 1984, two years after Marie-Ève was born and two years before Dubois was born.

“It’s the first time I’ve played in the main draw in Montreal,” said Dubois. “I tried to implement everything I’ve been working on lately with my coaches during this match. Thanks to the crowd for its support.”

As far as the rain delays go, Dubois explained that she was disappointed to not be able to finish the match on Monday but that her coaches made her see the positive side of things.

“I think I played really intelligently despite the wind and the breaks,” she said. “And Marie-Ève’s win gave me even more energy for my match.”

Dubois takes on tournament favourite Kim Clijsters on Wednesday. “I’ll go out there and learn,” said the Laval native. “I just have to concentrate on my game and be more aggressive. But whatever happens, it’ll be a great experience.”