Alberta Brianti bows out to Alexandra Cadantu in opening round – Fes WTA 2012
Defending champion, Alberta Brianti, was underplayed by Romania’s Alexandra Cadantu in straight sets at the Grand Prix De SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem 2012 on Monday. She endured a 7-5, 5-7, 1-6 shock at the hands of the world number 80 in the opening round at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) International level event held in Fes, Morocco.
The Italian veteran, who claimed her only career title at this event last year, displayed dismal performance after the opening set, ultimately exiting from this clay court event in the opening round with disappointment. As a result, the Bucharest native convincingly advanced into the round of 16.
"The first set was close. I could have won it," Cadantu was quoted in a post-match press conference. "I played better and better after that. After losing early in my last few tournaments, this gives me a lot of confidence for my next match."
Brianti made a strong start at the Royal Tennis Club de Fes and earned the desiderated break in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. Despite losing her proceeding two serves and trailing at 3-4, the Italian remained focused and recovered in the eighth game. After exchanging another serve break, Brianti edged past her rival with another break of serve in the last game, sealing the opener with a 7-5 success.
The second set saw both contestants displaying their best performance. However, Cadantu outclassed her rival after capitalising on her fifth break opportunity in the 11th game, eventually pulling out the equaliser with a 7-5 score line. Apart from losing her serve four times and spilling 10 double faults, the Romanian produced a better first serve share and acceptably clicked 13 out of 21 points on it.
The final set was a lopsided affair as the Romanian went berserk and wiped out the opening four games in a row before the Italian could hold on. Brianti lost her track again and after losing her serve once more, she suffered a brutal 1-6 shock.
Next up for Cadantu is the winner of the match between fifth seeded Simona Halep and the local wild card entrant, Fatima Zahrae El Allami.
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