Irina Falconi overpowers the injury-stricken Alexandra Dulgheru in round one – BNP Paribas Open 2012
Local wild card entrant, Irina Falconi, registered a 4-6, 5-2 retirement victory over the Romanian tennis ace, Alexandra Dulgheru, at the BNP Paribas Open 2012 on Thursday. As a result, the American assertively advanced into second round at this hard court
event taking place from 5th to 18th March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Crowd favourite, Falconi was leading 5-2 in the second set when the Romanian was forced to retire due to right knee injury at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Premier Mandatory event held in Indian Wells, United States. Facing each other for the first
time, the American outclassed her injured opponent in 82 minutes to book a second round spot.
"That court is one of the largest in the world, it was really something," the American was quoted. "Now I'm 1-0 on Arthur Ashe and 1-0 on Stadium 1 here, so I'm happy! During the match I didn't want to think about it at all though. I wanted to maintain my
composure and not really give anything away. It's too bad she wasn't able to continue."
The 22-year-old made a strong entry at the Californian hard courts and drew the first blood in the opening game. She gifted away her serve in the very next game but broke again to put her nose ahead once more. Despite losing her edge for a second time in
the sixth game, Dulgheru capitalised on her third break opportunity and subsequently clinched the set with a 6-4 score line.
Ranked 100th in the WTA Premier Rankings, Falconi sought her rhythm in the proceeding set. She earned the coveted break in the second game and jumped to 3-0. Despite losing her serve in the fifth game, she cashed in another break chance and took
the lead again. However, the Romanian on the other hand got injured after the seventh game and after enduring severe pain, she was forced to retire.
The American will square off against the reigning US Open titlist, Samantha Stosur.
"She's definitely a competitor - she has won a Grand Slam, so she's pretty good! But I'm going to go out there and try to win. There's no other way," Falconi commented about her next match-up.
The Australian number one received a first round by after being a seeded player at this hard court event. Falconi is looking forward to practice harder in order to outrun the ultra-fit Stosur.
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