DFS Classic - Melanie South points way to glory

Jun 13 2008 By Paul Berry

MELANIE South spent the first rain delay of this year's DFS Classic pursuing her Open University studies in Understanding Health which she hopes will act as a prelude to a psychology course.

But on the evidence of yesterday's events at Edgbaston Priory the 22-year-old from New Malden has already got affairs of the mind very much under control.

Not only did South recover from a convincing 6-2 first-set reverse against Aiko Nakamura to hit back and take the second 6-4, but the British No.4 also managed to hang onto an early service break and close out the final set 6-4 to become the first Brit of a generation to reach the quarter-finals of the Sony Ericsson WTA tour event.

Not since Jo Durie in 1992 has a homegrown player gone so far - indeed Anne Hobbs aside, no other Brit has reached the last eight since the tournament's inception in 1982.

So what is it like to carry the hopes of a nation?

"I love it."

The response is delivered with a beaming smile.

"I always had the belief in myself that I could turn the match around because I've won matches from a set down before," added South.

"And being on the grass is a huge benefit for me because I feel very comfortable out there.

"The crowd are always good here and it's a really nice event.

"I'm staying with a local family who are really happy for me.

"They've been really good and watching all my matches and were supportive again today and very loud.

"That sort of thing's important, especially when things aren't going well.

"The tournament here organise the accommodation for me and I've stayed with the same family for three years now.

"I think they'll be very pleased I'm staying another night."

South may still be in the formative years of what she hopes will be a career taking her far in excess of her current 154 ranking.

But there's certainly some sporting pedigree within her family with dad John - now a tennis coach - having played football for Fulham and Brentford.

And it's not just her genes that have driven South's quest for success.

"Because I live only 10 minutes from Wimbledon that's what inspired me to playing tennis at a high level," she explains.

"I used to go to Wimbledon every day after school and my local tennis club is actually just across the road from there.

South's performance was in stark contrast to that of the weather forecaster who predicted short, sharp showers instead of the deluge that hit Priory.

But despite the five-hour delay all the last-16 ties were completed.

There was a scare for No.3 seed and favourite Nicole Vaidisova, who came from a set down to overcome Elena Makarova 6-7 6-2 6-4.