Johanna Larsson, Mona Barthel progress into the second round – e-Boks Sony Ericsson Open 2011
Johanna Larsson of Sweden scored an easy 6-3, 6-3 victory over her Russian opponent, Vesna Dolonts in the first round of e-Boks Sony Ericsson Open, defeating her opponent in straight sets to nab herself a place in the second round
the tournament.
Larsson, who is only 22-years-old, looked in brilliant touch and never let Dolonts in the match. She wrapped up the first set quickly with a 6-3 score. She kept it simple and easy with the help of her well-placed shots and nailed
the first set quickly.
Although, the second set started on a bit tricky note for the Swede, she got on board with the mix of her backhand slices and heavy topspin. The Swede tested her opponent with her mighty serve as Dolonts failed to negotiate with
them timely. But, the real test for the Russian came in the ninth game of the second set, as she had to get the break, if she wanted to stay in the match but she failed to take it and Larsson successfully closed the deal in straight sets.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands awaits Larsson in the second round of the e-Boks Sony Ericsson Open. Having never met before, both women will face each other for the first time in their careers.
Among all the winners on Tuesday, Mona Barthel of Germany also caused an upset to her American competitor, Alexa Glatch with a 6-2, 7-5 scoreline in the first round of the tournament.
The match between Barthel and Glatch looked to be a slightly one-sided affair when Glatch broke Barthel and held her own service game to bring herself into a commanding 2-0 lead. But then the other side of the German pro arrived
as she looked all set to fight for every point, thus holding her own serve to level the score at 2-all. It happened right at that moment when Glatch’s dip in form damaged her play severely and she easily granted the first set to Barthel with a 6-2 score.
However, the second set opened on a very cheery note for Glatch as she dug deep to level the score at 5-5. But when her opponent bravely made a successful net approach to break her serve, it was all over.
That was it as the fire of this American lady was put out by the in-form German. She successfully ended Glatch’s hope of winning the contest in an attempt to stay alive at the tournament. Up next for Barthel is the fifth seeded
Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova of Czech Republic.
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