(28 JULY) Kim's first Olympic Games have started with a win as she raced through her opening round London 2012 match in just over an hour, defeating Italian Roberta Vinci 6-1, 6-4.
Kim gave Belgium plenty to cheer about on Day One of the London 2012 Olympics. On No.2 Court, the Belgian drew first blood against the Italian, breaking for 3-1 before holding confidently for 4-1.
Vinci – a player more than competent at net – attempted to serve-volley at 30-30 to change the tone of the first set but the Belgian passed with ease, her forehand down the line bringing up break point, which she converted when Vinci’s drop shot landed short.
With the winners beginning to flow from Kim’s forehand down the line, she sealed the first set 6-1 in 25 minutes.
Breaking immediately to commence the second set, she looked well in control only to slip after being wrong-footed to hand the break of serve straight back.
Serving for the match at 5-4, a fleeting bout of Olympic nerves set in as Kim opened with a double fault before handing Vinci two break points.
She steadied and when a Vinci backhand sailed long Kim had her first match point.
It would be the only chance she needed as finished the point off at net to book her 2nd round berth after 61 minutes.
'I'm very happy with how I was feeling and I played good, solid tennis. I just had to be very focused', Kim said. 'My tactical plan was to try not to let her get into the match where she can play with the opponent. She moves them around and it was up to me to stay on top of my baseline and not give her the opportunity to do that.'
'The Olympic spirit is like a virus, it spreads', Kim said. 'When you see all the other athletes from your country and the people who follow it, it's hard not to get into it. The Olympic sport in general is so unique, and you can hear that when someone like Roger (Federer) talks about it. He has won so many Grand Slams but he wants a gold medal in the singles because he hasn't won that.'
In the 2nd round, Kim will face Carla Suarez Navarro.
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