Jennifer Capriati held off rising Russian Vera Douchevina to reach the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Friday -- then called on the game's organisers to bring in video aids for umpires.
The 28-year-old former world number one started like an express train but was made to work overtime by 17-year-old Douchevina before winning 6-0, 6-7, 6-3.
| |||||||||||
"She came up with some great shots but in the third set I took it up a notch."
With several dubious line calls in the match for both players, the American said it was about time new technology was brought in to the game.
"I really think they should look into having the 'Hawk-Eye' on the umpire's chair," Capriati said referring to the system used by the host broadcaster to show close calls.
"I mean, I don't see why not. At this level of the game, when it's so close, one or two shots can make a real difference.
"I would like to know what we're waiting for, they should at least start trying it."
Capriati whistled through the first set in 17 minutes but, showing tremendous maturity, former Wimbledon junior champion Douchevina began to use the angles to great effect.
Despite losing a 5-3 lead in the second set Douchevina, one of eight Russian women in the third round, held her nerve to win the tiebreak.
However, Capriati raised her game when she needed to in the decider and closed the match out with a 188.3 kph serve after 95 minutes.
The eighth seed will face Japan's Ai Sugiyama in the fourth round, and she is beginning to fancy her chances.
"I'm feeling good, I'm feeling confident, I'm feeling strong out there," said the triple Grand Slam winner. "Being in New York with the crowd and everything I'm really pumped up."
More from rediff