Under the application of ice packs on his head, Niemeier outshines
Two years ago, Jule Niemeier made heads turn as she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Following a career slump, she's back on track, ranking among the top 32 at the US Open. The Dortmund player has transformed her game, potentially setting the stage for another meteoric rise.
Sweating profusely with ice packs on her head, Niemeier triumphantly leaped after ace-ing her way past her opponent in the heat of the New York midday sun. For the first time in two years, she's advanced to the third round of a Grand Slam tournament. She defeated Moyuka Uchijima 6:4, 6:0 at the US Open.
Niemeier bulldozed her way from the start in temperatures above 34 degrees Celsius, outplaying the Japanese player who had previously bested Tamara Korpatsch. She will now face either Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic champion from China, or Erika Andrejewa from Russia. Sadly, her friend and fellow competitor, Eva Lys, was knocked out, losing a tight match to Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic by scores of 2:6, 6:1, 5:7.
Despite previously reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals and the US Open round of 16, Niemeier fell to a world ranking of 175. This season, however, she's back in form, now ranked 101. Expected to return to the top 100 after the US Open, her progress is commendable, according to former women's national coach Barbara Rittner on Sportdeutschland.TV.
Niemeier on her transformation: "A different player, a different person"
"I'm a different player, a different person," Niemeier reflects on her evolution since her breakthrough two years ago. "I've grown as a player and as an individual." Her understanding of the game has completely changed, thanks to the guidance of Michael Geserer, her coach since the end of last year. "Jule is an incredibly talented player with immense potential," admires Lys.
Niemeier dictated the pace of the game, with most points decided by her winning shots or errors. Momentarily pausing at 4:3, she seemed to be treating a blister on her left foot on the sidelines. Mistaking her for resting, Uchijima allegedly underestimated her opponent, providing Niemeier with opportunities to take control. During breaks to combat the scorching sun, both players resorted to cooling air from hoses and towels.
With a simple backhand miscue from Uchijima, Niemeier claimed victory over her serve, and after 61 minutes, the first set was hers. The Japanese player's resistance was almost shattered. After a lengthy pause at the changeover, Niemeier cruised through the remaining games, winning six consecutive matches with her second match point securing her a spot in the third round and a bonus of $215,000 after 96 minutes.
Niemeier's victory in the US Open marks her return to the Grand Slam third round after a two-year absence. Displaying her improved skills on the court, she continues to impress in the world of Sports.
Embracing her newfound success, Niemeier credits her coach, Michael Geserer, for helping her evolve into a more mature and skilled player both on and off the court.
