Daniela Hantuchova cruises past Maria Kirilenko in second rubber – Fed Cup 2013
Former world number five, Daniela Hantuchova, ousted the Russian challenger, Maria Kirilenko, in straight sets at the Fed Cup 2013 on Monday. She jolted down a 6-2, 6-4 victory against the Russian to lead her nation 2-0 up in the Fed Cup 2013 on Saturday.
The Slovakian beauty recreated her old magic to outclass Kirilenko in the second rubber. As a result, Slovakia extended their lead by 2-0 at this major event taking place between nations.
"I knew I had to play very well because Maria's a great player," Hantuchova commented. "I've had so many matches in Fed Cup, so my experience definitely helps. And my variety too - that's how I play, especially on clay, it's nice to use everything in my
game. I was able to do that very well today."
The disappointed Russian was quoted in a post match press conference after bowing out to the Slovak.
"Of course when you lose it's always disappointing, but it's just one match and we have another day tomorrow. We have a good doubles team and good singles players, so we just need… to do our best in tomorrow's matches."
The Slovakian star made a storming entry into this match. She drew the first blood in the third game and jump to a 3-1 lead. Hantuchova held her composure and capitalised on another break chance in the seventh game, eventually sealing the opener by winning
six games to two.
Hantuchova lost her track in the proceeding set. She suffered the first blood in the second game and fell at 0-2. However, the Slovak quickly re-gained her strength in the very next game and got back in action. She converted another break chance to her advantage
in the seventh game and eventually clinched the set with a 6-4 score line.
Overall, Hantuchova recorded a lower first serve share of 55 per cent as compared to her rival’s 60 per cent but amazingly marked 21 out of 35 points on it. She fired four aces and ended the match with 65 points.
In the opening rubber, Dominika Cibulkova made an epic comeback from a set down to triumph over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
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