Will be an interesting test for the reborn Ashley.
Jill had her number in 2005.
Also, as a seasoned vet - Jill challanges Ashley's game and not just
her stamina.




--- In ashleyharkleroadstarrising@yahoogroups.com, "Danny"
<440gtx@g...> wrote:
>
> Jan 2, 2006
> By Dale Budge at the ASB Tennis Centre
>
> American qualifier Ashley Harkleroad is through to the main draw
of
> the ASB Classic after beating Croatian Jelena Kostanic 6-0 4-6 6-3
on
> a windy court four at the ASB Tennis Centre on Monday.
>
> Having stormed through to the 2004 tournament, eventually making
the
> final Harkleroad is well known to New Zealand fans and clearly
enjoys
> playing in these conditions.
>
> "I am very delighted. I am happy to be back. I love this
tournament,"
> the 20 year old told reporters after making the main draw.
>
> Harkleroad breezed through the first set in a touch under 20
minutes
> without dropping a game. She started so dominantly that Kostanic
> didn't register a single point until the third game.
>
> Harkleroad then broke early in the second set to take a commanding
3-
> 1 lead before she began to falter in the wind.
>
> The gusty conditions affected both players' serves but Kostanic
was
> able to find her rhythm quicker and managed to kick-free of the
arm-
> wrestle and claim the second set 6-4.
>
> But the third set was mostly Harkleroad as she exercised her
strong
> back-hand and used her athleticism to out-manoeuvre the Croat.
>
> Harkleroad will face fellow American Jill Craybas in the first
round
> of the main draw on Tuesday.
>
> The qualifier has some form against Craybas in Auckland, she beat
her
> in 2004.
>
> Harkleroad missed last year's tournament after taking a nine-month
> break from the sport while she got a new a focus on life.
>
> "I have got perspective now. I know what I am playing for now.
>
> "Even though I wasn't playing tennis I was teaching it."
>
> Having once been ranked 39th in the world, Harkleroad's ranking
> dropped outside the top 200 but she arrives in Auckland ranked 119.
>
> As she embarks on another year on the WTA tour, Harkleroad is not
> trying to do too much in 2006 simply looking for small gains.
>
> "I would like to get back in the top 100. I am just setting small
> goals."
>