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SportsKorpatsch rides puppy lucky charm into Hamburg semis, breaks into top 70
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German tennis No. 1 Tamara Korpatsch (31) reached the semifinals of the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open at Rothenbaum for the first time, defeating second-seeded Anhelina Kalinina 6:3, 1:6, 6:1. The victory propelled her into the world top 70 for the first time. Korpatsch credited her 7-month-old Malipoo puppy Stella, who watched from a pink dog bag in her box, as a lucky charm. During a difficult second set, a glance at the calm puppy lifted her spirits. 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 won their last meeting in Rome after a 3.5-hour battle. She expressed determination to stay until the end at her home tournament.
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 / World No. 57) from Ukraine:
- Set 1: 6:3
- Set 2: 1:6
- Set 3: 6:1
With this success, Korpatsch climbed into the world's top 70 for the first time in her career.
Stella the Lucky Charm
From her box, the little Malipoo dog watched her owner's match in a pink dog bag.
"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 Surprise Find During the Break
Already at the end of the second set, Korpatsch had begun saving energy on the advice of her father and coach Thomas. When it was lost, she took a bathroom break and disappeared briefly into the catacombs. There she experienced a surprise!
"I collect pins and attach them to my tennis bag," says the superstitious Korpatsch. "Since Thursday, I've 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 good luck."
Semifinal 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."
Their last meeting was before the French Open in Rome. Korpatsch won after 3:30 hours with 3:6, 7:5, 7:6.
"It will be a very high hurdle, it will definitely be a tough fight."
One where Stella will help from the stands again! Korpatsch in love: "I can't do without her."
Tamara Korpatsch (31) got Stella at eleven weeks old
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Tamara Korpatsch Reaches Hamburg Final with Dog Stella as Lucky Charm