Kimiko Date-Krumm | GlobalPost

Tennis: Japan optimistic about Russia clash

Agence France-PresseFebruary 8, 2013 06:31

Japan are hoping to perform well against Russia in the two nations' first ever meeting in the Fed Cup first round clash this weekend but admit that they will have their work cut out to win the spoils. "It will be a tough match because Russian team players are very strong," Japan veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm. "But we need to believe in ourselves and perform at our top. "Everything is possible in the Federations Cup. Just remember 1996, when we managed to beat Germany's team, which was spearheaded by the brilliant Steffi Graf."

Tennis: Morita pulls off double triumph in Pattaya

Agence France-PresseJanuary 31, 2013 19:45

Japan's Ayumi Morita shrugged off a three-day battle with the rain to reach the Pattaya Open quarter-finals on Thursday, beating former world number one Ana Ivanovic and compatriot Kimiko Date-Krumm. Ivanovic and Morita began their first round clash late on Tuesday before torrential rain brought proceedings to a halt with the contest poised at one set all. When they finally resumed on Thursday after a Wednesday washout, the Japanese player romped to a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win.

Tennis-'Crazy' Kimiko marches on at Melbourne Park

Thomson ReutersJanuary 17, 2013 03:15

By Nick Mulvenney MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Kimiko Date-Krumm's former rivals call her crazy but the 42-year-old Japanese, who reached the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday, is intent on playing on until her body gives up on her completely. Date-Krumm made her Melbourne Park debut 23 years ago and became the oldest woman to win a match at the grand slam tournament with her first round victory over 12th seed Nadia Petrova on Tuesday.

UPDATE 1-Tennis-No big secret as Date-Krumm becomes oldest winner

Thomson ReutersJanuary 14, 2013 21:45

(Adds detail, quotes) * Date-Krumm oldest singles winner * Made Melbourne Park debut in 1990 By Nick Mulvenney MELBOURNE, Jan 15 (Reuters) - When Kimiko Date-Krumm first played at the Australian Open some 23 years ago, she beat American Pam Shriver on her way to the fourth round at the year's first grand slam. Four year's later, she ousted Conchita Martinez to reach the semi-finals at Melbourne Park only to go down 6-3 6-3 to eventual champion Steffi Graf.