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SI: Even in Wimbledon defeat, Date Krumm makes enduring statement
In the match of the day, if not the match of the year, Venus Williams advanced with a gripping Centre Court win over Japan's Kimiko Date Krumm, 6-7 (6), 6-3, 8-6. Take away the grunting and this was divine tennis. Nifty shotmaking from all coordinates of the court. Successful networking opportunties. Angles. Fluctuating momentum. Just a thoroughly entertaining affair...Date Krumm, as you've no doubt heard, is 40 years old. In tennis years, that means you practically need to make her food into liquid, that she is a passenger requiring a little extra assistance. As Date Krumm pushed Venus deep in the third set, another Japanese woman, Misaki Doi, took the court. Doi was born in 1991. By that point Date had already played multiple Wimbledons. Yet there Date was, basted in sweat -- thanks to the roof that turned Centre Court into a hothouse terrarium -- coming up clever angles, chipping and charging, serving and volleying throwing up rainbowing lobs that landed smack on the baseline, having it out with a five-time champion who was bigger by nine inches, stronger, faster, and, yes, almost a decade younger. Date had more winners. Date won more points. Date did herself proud....[She] didn't win today. But the statement she made will echo in the game for a good long time...more...