Anastasia Sevastova Set 1 had big problems with the service, being able to hit the first with only 48% accuracy. She won only 10 of the 26 games with a second serve, accumulating five double mistakes and being beaten twice before the break itself had a chance.
Sevastov lost in the fifth game in three games with the second serve and then failed to repel the break ball – even after the first hit of the service, because the short game ended with an inaccurate “backhand” kick on the left side line (out) – 2: 3.
The Latvian tennis player managed to escape from 15:40 in the seventh game, repelling a total of three breakballs, but in the ninth game, after playing three setballs, she had to admit defeat when Polona Hercoga from “equal” twice in a row with “forehand” effectively hit the second serve – 3: 6.
The next two sets were very similar. Sevastov got a break in the first shot with good protection and four mistakes of the Slovenian, then he was in the doubles and was comfortable until the successful conclusion of the set. Sevastova lost only eight games in the last two sets, along with the serve, without giving the Duke a break.
Both tennis players came to bad shape in today’s match. Sevastova had lost in the last six matches and the Duke in eight of the last 10, and this year he has won only four victories in the WTA Main Events (4-14). Sevastova, on the other hand, has a 16-17 balance.
Sevastova has a 4-1 balance against the Duke after the playoffs, including a perfect 3-0 on the hard surface. Interestingly, they both competed in the 1st round of the Indian Wells tournament 10 years ago, and Sevastova won 6: 4, 7: 6 (5) at the time.
Latvia’s second racket won its first victory on Thursday afternoon since July 1, when Wimbledon played 1: 6, 6: 4, 6: 3 in the 2nd round. Martu Kostjuku (# 70). Meeting in the second round of the Indian Wells tournament gives 35 rating points. Anastasia will compete with the 14th-ranked Tunisian on Saturday Onsu abūru (1-1 balance).
