Coco Vandeweghe ousts Sharon Fichman in qualifiers – Bank of the West Classic 2013
Local challenger, Coco Vandeweghe, got the better of the Canadian contestant, Sharon Fichman, in straight sets in the qualifying competition at Bank of the West Classic 2013 on Monday. She recorded a 6-4, 6-3 victory against the Canadian to secure a spot in the main draw at this WTA Premier event being held in Stanford, United States of America.
A former Top 70, Vandeweghe recreated her old magic to outclass the Canadian with ease. The players previously battled each other in Nottingham and after earning this win, the American avenged her defeat from last time.
Vandeweghe failed to ward off the only breakpoint she came across. However, she cashed four out of nine break chances to steal the show. The American manufactured a lower first serve ratio of 49 per cent in contrast with her rival’s 53 per cent but spectacularly marked 17 out of 22 points on it. She also fired six aces and took full advantage of six double faults her opponent spilled.
Coco secured her first WTA final berth here last season, but had bowed out to the 16-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the final showdown.
The beaming American commented in a courtside interview after the win,
“It’s always nice to come back to a place you enjoy playing at - and I always enjoy playing here in California and in the US. From the courts to the California heat that I'm used to, this is a tournament I really enjoy. I'm really happy I could make it through the qualifying."
Russian veteran, Vera Dushevina, will accompany last year’s runner-up in the main draw. She eased past her compatriot, Olga Puchkova, in straight sets to progress. Dushevina jolted down a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Puchkova.
Dushevina formulated a slightly better first serve share of 52 per cent in comparison with her rival’s 48 per cent and amazingly clicked 27 out of 43 points on it. She committed 11 unforced errors and lost her serve six times. However, she managed to convert seven out of 11 break chances to her advantage.
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