Francesca Schiavone defeats Irina Falconi in the second round of Brussels Ladies Open
Italy’s Francesca Schiavone was amazingly upbeat in her second round clash at the Royal Primrose Tennis Club in Brussels, when she defeated American Irina Falconi on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Italian played some spectacular tennis
to win 6-4, 6-4 and move into the third round where she will face Ayumi Morita of Japan in the third round of the tournament.
Schiavone appeared to be toying with the American and never looked tired during the whole match. She already knew her opponents plans and never allowed to get the hook by making errors herself. The American player made Schiavone’s
match everything but easy. Falconi played very well in the early part of the match but once Schiavone found her footing, it became very difficult for the American to find a way past the Italian.
After a straight forward first set, Schiavone found herself trailing by 4-2 in the second set and it looked as if the match would need a third set to decide the champion. But the Italian pro did not allow Falconi to get a hold
on her serve and conveniently concluded the match in straight sets.
As the first set started, the world number five quickly found her groove and managed to nail Falconi with some of her lightning deliveries. She acquitted herself very well and took a 4-0 lead in the first set. But Falconi’s forehand
was looking ominously good and she quickly caught the Italian with a rearing shot at the baseline. Falconi saved two breakpoints to hold for 4-4 before staying on serve en route to a 4-4 deadlock.
Falconi struck 70 percent of first serves, winning 50 percent of points on them. In comparison, Schiavone fired a single ace, 59 percent of first serve and gained 58 percent of points on them. Schiavone handled her serve beautifully,
dragging Falconi off court with plenty of kick. Like a true champion, she made her move at just the right moment, hitting a forehand winner down the line, before going on to serve out the set at 6-4.
It was then that the world number five showed her power and never looked in danger. The Italian player showed no fear and continued to play persistently in the second set. Schiavone went up to break Falconi with her first break
point, going 4-1 up in the second set. Falconi didn’t find her way back after that, as Schiavone presented her brilliant tennis skills to close out the match in straight sets. Falconi scored 16 percent points less than Schiavone to suggest she was easily outplayed
by her opponent with a 6-4 score.
Schiavone now moves on ahead to face Ayumi Morita of Japan in the third round of the tournament. Schiavone and Morita have already met each other at the Us Open, where Schiavone defeated Morita to hold the 1-0 edge.
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