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SportsKorpatsch reaches Hamburg Ladies Open semifinals for first time with puppy lucky charm
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German tennis number one Tamara Korpatsch (31) reached the semifinals of the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open at Rothenbaum for the first time in her career, defeating second-seeded Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine 6:3, 1:6, 6:1. The victory propelled Korpatsch into the world top 70 for the first time. Korpatsch credited her seven-month-old Malipoo puppy Stella as a lucky charm, saying the dog's calm presence and sweet looks helped her during tough moments. She also found a missing tournament pin from Madeira during a bathroom break, which she attached to her bag for good luck. Korpatsch will face Egyptian Mayar Sherif in the semifinals, who has won 13 consecutive matches. Korpatsch previously defeated Sherif in a three-and-a-half-hour match in Rome. The German expressed confidence playing at home and vowed to stay until the end with Stella's support.
Source report
Simply wow! Tennis pro Tamara Korpatsch (31) has reached the semifinals of the "MSC Hamburg Ladies Open" (prize money: €247,674) for the first time at her home tournament at Rothenbaum.
"It means so much to me, it's just a huge dream," beamed the German No. 1, hugging her biggest lucky charm: puppy Stella (7 months).
Match Summary
On Center Court, the local favorite from the Club an der Alster experienced another rollercoaster ride, defeating second-seeded Anhelina Kalinina (29/No. 57) from Ukraine 6:3, 1:6, 6:1. With this success, she climbed into the world's top 70 for the first time in her career.
Stella the Lucky Charm
In her box, the little Malipoo dog watched her owner's match from a pink dog carrier.
"Stella was definitely a lucky charm, even if I lose – she always makes me happy," raved Korpatsch about her everything.
When things weren't going well in the second set, a puppy-dog look helped! "She saw me once and looked at me so sweetly. She was completely calm and didn't whine. I'm so proud of her."
A Superstitious Surprise
Already at the end of the second set, Korpatsch had started saving energy on the advice of her coach and father Thomas. When it was lost, she took a bathroom break and briefly disappeared into the catacombs. There she had a surprise!
"I collect pins and attach them to my tennis bag," says the superstitious Korpatsch. "Since Thursday, I had been missing one from Madeira, where I won the tournament. I found it again in the corridor during the set break and put it on my bag. It must have brought luck."
Next Opponent
Her opponent in the second semifinal is now Mayar Sherif (30). The Egyptian has won 13 matches in a row.
"But I've also won three in a row here," grins Korpatsch. "And I am at home here. I said from the start that I want to stay until the end."
The last meeting with Sherif was before the French Open in Rome. Korpatsch won 3:6, 7:5, 7:6 after 3:30 hours.
"It will be a very high hurdle, definitely a tough fight."
One where Stella will help again from the stands! Korpatsch says lovingly: "I can't do without her."
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Tamara Korpatsch Reaches Hamburg Final with Dog Stella as Lucky Charm