Kimko Date Krumm pushes on at the Japan Open

            Age is only a number, yet it seems in our current times if you’re number is too high over 50, it’s suggested that you begin settling in for a few years of the Price is Right and possibly bingo. For some, living out the rest of their days as a Wal-Mart greeter is more than acceptable, while others push on and set a new standard for what they love.

            Though Kimiko Date Krumm is nowhere close to being considered a geriatric, for the sport of tennis, she’s no spring chick. Turning 40 during the US Open, Date Krumm has easily made history.  This past week in Osaka, Japan, pushed on with her history making career by being a first round winner at the Japan Open.

            Sixth-seeded Date Krumm leveled British qualifier Laura Robson 6-3, 6-3 on the hardcourts at the Utsubo Tennis Center. Though she struggled in the first set against the left-handed Robson, who is just 16 years old, the 40 year-old Date Krumm was able to break Robson four times in the 63 minute match en route to winning the $220,000 WTA event.

            Two weeks ago, Date Krumm was able to make it to the third round of the Pan Pacific Open taking victories over Maria Sharapova and Daniela Hantuchova.
            Date Krum is the third other Japanese women -- Junri Namigata and wild cards Ryoko Fuda and Aiko Nakamura -- posted wins on Day 2. The veteran was a runner-up in Osaka in 1993.