Jessica Simpson hits back at Janneke Wikkerink in round one – Potchefstroom ITF 2012
Local starlet, Jessica Simpson, made an epic comeback from a set down to outsmart Netherland’s Janneke Wikkerink in a three-set nail-biter at the Potchefstroom ITF 2012 on Monday. She penned down a 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory against the Dutch challenger to power
into the second round at this ITF (International Tennis Federation) Women’s Circuit event taking place in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
The underdog displayed superb tennis to outsmart Wikkerink in their first encounter. She made a drastic start but stayed focused throughout the match, eventually pulling out the victory in almost two hours and 45 minutes. As a result, Simpson comfortably
secured a place in the round of 16 at this outdoor hard court event taking place from 10th to 16th December.
The 20-year-old thundered into the Fanie du Toit Sports Stadium. She quickly reeled off four games in a row before Simpson could come on the score sheet. Wikkerink ruled the last two games and eventually pulled out the opener with a breadstick. She brushed
off the only breakpoint she came across and cashed three out of four break chances to prevail.
Simpson re-structured in the proceeding set. She held her entire serves with ease and got the breakthrough in the last game, consequently sealing the equaliser with a 6-4 win. The South African blocked the only breakpoint she came across to keep her entire
serves and converted one out of two break chances to her advantage.
The 17-year-old kept her momentum sailing in the deciding set. She got the coveted break in the second game and jumped to a 3-0 lead. The South African held her remaining serves with conviction and ultimately clinched the decider with a 6-3 score line. She
brushed off all three breakpoints she came across and capitalised on the lone break chance to achieve her goal.
Next challenge for Simpson is the conqueror of the match between sixth seeded Lea Tholey and the Israeli qualifier, Lee Or.
The British challenger, Laura Deigman, will join the South African in the proceeding round. She trashed the American challenger, Casey Robinson, in straight sets to advance at this event.
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