Eastbourne ladies doubles

Cara Black and Lisa Huber

Cara Black and Lisa Huber went out in the semis to Zvonereva and Likhotseva in three sets. It was a close match and in the end Black and Huber were unlucky. I thought they played the better doubles, from the net, but the Russians used topspin lobs over Black with great success which seemed to rattle the eventual losers. The Russians were beaten in the final by Raymond and Stubbs.

I also saw the semi with Raymond and Stubbs against Serra Zanetti and Spears, where Stubbs really played quite badly and was having an off day. It was the class and quality of Lisa Raymond that took them through. Raymond is undoubtedly an exceptional doubles player.