Hantuchova rocks Eastbourne

Martina Navratilova had already won six grand slam titles by the time Daniela Hantuchova was born, so she knows star quality when she sees it.

The game's most successful player believes the teenager is not far from greatness herself. At the same time Hantuchova's progress to the semi-finals of the Britannic International Championships yesterday hinted that she may be trying to emulate the style Navratilova made famous in the days of wooden rackets.

The 19-year-old Slovakian beat the former top-20 American Amy Frazier 7-6, 6-1, after slipping to 1-4 and 3-5 in the first set and to within two points of losing it before responding to the danger.

Mostly this was done with flat hitting which could be potent enough to threaten Jelena Dokic if they meet as they should in the last 16 at Wimbledon next week, though first she must dispose of the Spaniard Cristina Torrens Vallero in the opening round.

Hantuchova's chance came when she clinched the first set in Navratilova style - a first volley guided to the baseline and resolutely complemented by another requiring much sharper reactions to cut the ball off. That is how Navratilova played at her peak and the way she would like her protégée to play now.

Her support group, which includes Nigel Sears, an English coach who lives near here, believes she could be the surprise of SW19 if she starts to do it more regularly. "She's doing it in practice very well," said Sears. "She's not doing it in the matches but she's still in the tournament and we're happy with that. But I'm really hoping she will grow into it because, believe me, it's there. She's young and very dangerous."

It is hard to believe that by looking at her. As slim as a willow and wearing a skirt so small it would cease to be a skirt if it were any smaller, Hantuchova looks as if she is on the way to the school disco.

She is also is a heavy favourite for this week's title, even though she plays last week's finalist at Edgbaston, Anastasia Myskina.

"It would be nice to win it because it is Nigel's home," she said. "I know I have to volley, and I am confident that I can, but it's the getting there which is more difficult."

She also has to start better. Both in this match and against Navratilova on Wednesday she was in difficulties early on, something she attributes to the lack of rhythm in her serve.

"But not many people have beaten Martina on grass," she laughed. "I feel very confident about this tournament now."

The other semi-final is between another dramatically improving teenager who could be headed for the top 10, Daja Bedanova of the Czech Republic, and the former world No6 Chanda Rubin, who is making her way back from a knee injury.

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