Alexa Glatch defeats Ekaterina Makarova in the 1st round – Mercury Open 2011
Kicking off on the 1st of August 2011 was the first round of the Mercury Open 2011. The American Alexa Glatch and the Russian Ekaterina Makarova were competing against each other for the first time at the La Costa Resort
and Spa, Carlsbad, California. The 21-year-old (Glatch) finished the match in just 63 minutes and 18 seconds winning 6-1, 6-2.
During the set; the players had smashed two aces, however, Makarova’s precision lacked direction and she struck one line fault, whereas, Glatch had a near perfect precision and struck zero double faults. Even though both the players
had hit 47% of their first serve on targets, Glatch was able to win 100% of her first serve points along with a powerful serve she bagged 94% in her total service points. The American had a springy back hand was able to rebound all her opponent’s shots that
were aimed at her and clenched 53% of her total return points.
Mean while, Makarova had only won 44% of her first serves along with 50% win in her second serve, which enabled her to barely win 47% in her total service points. Her return serve was extremely pathetic and she attained a pitiable
6% in her total return points.
Glatch sailed through to the second set without much resistance from her opponent. She did not give a single opportunity to her opponent to break her, and instead broke her opponent twice out of the three opportunities that were
presented to her. Winning the set with almost three times as many points as Makarova’s, Glatch took a 1-0 lead.
After befalling in the first set Makarova should’ve pulled her socks but it seemed like a wild goose chase between both the players. Although, Makarova had improved her overall performance she still lacked the number to take it
to the third set.
Across the board; Makarova lost the second set because she was unable to win or save her break points, her defence was much better but not as better as her opponents. The Russian had won 50% in her total service points along with
bagging a 35% in her total return points. She lost the set with a total of 9 points less than Glatch.
Alexa Glatch had displayed better technique and skill along with a strong defence she was able to crush her opponent in two consecutive wins.
Born on the 10th of September 1989, Glatch has played a total of 35 matches out of which she has won 24 and lost only 11. Even though she currently stands at world number 155 she has the potential to progress further
in the rankings. Her career high singles ranking was 102 which she achieved on the 3rd of August 2009.
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