R2: Nour AK 2-0 Enora – Marwan 2-0 Nick W

[1] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 2-0 Nick Wall (ENG)  11-4, 11-7 (19m)
Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) 2-0 [6] Enora Villard (FRA)  11-6, 11-9 (22m)

It could have been the upset of the tournament, a few people were expecting Marwan to be a bit tired from Qatar and Nick very hungry, especially as they knew each other’s game – Marwan used to train in Sheffield a lot, and their only encounter was a tough 3/1 two years ago.
But The Controller once again, did that pretty well: he controlled the rallies from the word go.

First game was all Marwan from 3/3, 7/3 11/4 in 7m. But the second saw a good response from the Sheffield boy, coached by Nick Matthew and his team in Hallamshire, leading 4/1, 6/3. But the hard work paid off, and the English running out of fuel went for a bit too much too soon, forcing it and finding the tin, allowing his opponent to cruise to 10/6, match ball, 11/7, 10m last game

Marwan

To be honest, I was a bit nervous today, I know how good of a player Nick is, best of three as well, a bit tricky always on the higher seed.

I used to train a lot in Sheffield, I had a lot of hits with him, I played once with him in the British Open, it was a tough match, I know how dangerous he is.

Today the second game was crucial, he had a decent lead, I had to focus and to make the rallies as long as possible, even if I lost the rally, putting a lot of work into him, to get to him a bit physically, the longer the rallies go, the better for me. I didn’t want to go for any cheap shot, build the rallies and control them before I do anything.

And it paid off at the end, I won I think 6 or 7 points at the end in a row. Happy to get the win, especially on those courts it could have been a tricky one. Happy to play on the glasscourt, I prefer to play there OBVIOUSLY, so looking forward to tomorrow, and excited to finally play in that  I have heard everybody talking about!

Nour 

“I am feeling pretty good now! This is my first time with such a big win for me in my biggest tournament for me! This is my first time playing Enora, she is such a good play, a tough opponent.

“I didn’t believe that I could win because I have been injured for three months, haven’t trained well for the tournament. I tried to play with no pressure, and that worked! Yesterday, I was so nervous because I had a little bit of pain in my foot, so I was worried. Today, I just tried not to think about it anymore!

“I am so excited. The glass court venue is so unique and I want to try it as soon as possible. It looks so good, the vibe, the spirit, it looks amazing!”