Klara Zakopalova cripples Magdalena Rybarikova to enter quarters – KDB Korea Open 2012
Seeded seventh in this event, Klara Zakopalova from Czech Republic devastated the Slovakian starlet, Magdalena Rybarikova, with a breadstick at the KDB Korea Open 2012 on Thursday. She jolted down a 6-1, 7-6(6) victory against the 23-year-old to secure a
spot in the final eight at this outdoor hard court event taking place in Seoul, South Korea.
Ranked 27th in the world, Zakopalova showed exceptional skills to triumph over the Slovak in their second meeting at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) International event. After recording the victory in one hour and 22 minutes, the Czech not
only avenged her loss at the Barcelona Ladies Open three years ago but also levelled the head-to-head series by 1-1 against Rybarikova.
Zakopalova stormed into the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center. She unleashed flurry of groundstrokes and eventually clinched the opener with a breadstick. The Czech star swiped her entire serves without facing any hindrance and cashed in all three break chances
to register an assuring 6-1 score line.
The 30-year-old maintained consistency in her game in the following set. Zakopalova was broken twice but she capitalised on both break opportunities to stay in contention. The set went to a tie-breaker where the Czech edged past Rybarikova and subsequently
pulled out the victory with a 7-6(6) success.
On the whole, the Czech veteran spilled more double faults but produced a higher first serve share of 56 per cent as compared to her rival’s 43 per cent which covered it up. She also availed 19 out of 32 points on it and ended the match with 70 points to
rule the match.
Up next for Zakopalova is the top seed, Caroline Wozniacki, who is seeking for her lost glory. The former world number one eased past the French qualifier, Caroline Garcia, in straight sets to set up this epic encounter.
The Danish number one was broken once but she stayed focused throughout the match, eventually formulating a 6-2, 6-3 victory in one hour and eight minutes. She clobbered a better first serve share of 72 per cent in contrast with the French’s 51 per cent
and impressively availed 29 out of 42 points on it.
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