Gisela Dulko vs. Ksenia Pervak - Monterrey Open Preview
26-year-old Argentine, Gisela Dulko will be facing the unseeded Russian Ksenia Pervak in the quarter-final of the Whirlpool Monterrey Open on Friday. It will be an exciting contest to watch, as both are enjoying top form, battling it out for a semi-final
berth.
Dulko defeated the Canadian qualifier Aleksandra Wozniak in straight sets in the second round of the tournament to advance to the quarter-final. Pervak won her contest against the Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka to meet Dulko in the round of eight.
Winner of four Women’s Tennis Association titles, Dulko came to the tournament as one of the favourites. The Argentine won the Abierto Mexicano Telcel title six days ago when she defeated Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain in straight sets. With a WTA title
victory on her back and being in superb form, it would not be wrong to say that Dulko is one of the strong contenders to win the Monterrey Open.
The Argentine’s magnificent form continued in the Monterrey Open this week, as she won her initial two matches with ease. She was in majestic form in her recent match against Wozniak, losing just one game in the second set. Although the Argentine had lower
serve accuracy in the second round matchup, her elegant stroke play was appreciable. She availed only half of her break chances in the match, but skilfully compensated for it by wining 71 per cent serve points.
The unseeded Russian had a tough time in her initial rounds of the event. Pervak had to recover from a one set deficit to bag a win victory against Hradecka, as her serve was poor and her error count was alarming. The Russian spilled out 12 double-faults
in the game, something she definitely could not afford to do against Dulko in the next match.
Both contestants equally match each other in terms of converting break chances. However, Pervak’s bleak serve might create many problems for her in the quarter-final, as her Argentine opponent is very good with her return game. Dulko belted a number of thudding
serve returns from the baseline in her previous contests.
Pervak’s current season has not brought her any success since she is yet to win a WTA title. The Russian had featured in the Brisbane International this year, as the “lucky loser”. She made it to the second round where Petra Kvitova ended her voyage after
an enthralling contest. Pervak’s potential cannot be underestimated by this performance of hers, as she can be very competitive at times.
Dulko’s recent WTA title victory certainly boosts her confidence, but she needs to carry on her winning momentum in the quarter-final. Winning points on crucial occasions holds the key to success in a game of tennis and Dulko has successfully achieved it
so far in the tournament. It is the second straight quarter-final the Argentine is playing and is eyeing to extend her WTA title count to five after bagging the Monterrey Open. She needs two more wins to have a final shot at the title.
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