Laura Pous-Tio wins against Anna Tatishvili in opening qualifying round at BNP Paribas Open
Laura Pous-Tio of Spain booked her place in the next round of 2011 BNP Paribas Open qualifying draw after Anna Tatishvilli had to retire halfway through the third set.
The Spaniard made a good start to her campaign at the $ 3,645,000 event held at Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, California. It was an evenly matched contest as both players played fighting and inspiring tennis for every available
point. The Spaniard took the first set 6-3 with a crucial serve break which she achieved in the seventh game. Her stroke play was appreciable as she placed her forehands and backhands to perfection. The 26-year-old created angles which were very difficult
to cope with for her opponent.
However, Pous-Tio was unable to keep the momentum going in the second set. She made critical doubles faults in the set which opened the door for her opponent to step back into the contest. In the decider Laura Pous-Tio regrouped
herself and showed great determination. She was leading 4-0 when the Georgian conceded the match citing injury. The 26 year old Spaniard has put up noticeable performances since the start of this season winning six of her last eight matches.
Tatishvilli took time out during the third set and after consulting with her personal trainer she decided not to continue. She will be immensely disappointed as she was unable to complete the match after a strong comeback into
the contest. Experiencing another early exit from a WTA tournament will certainly dent her confidence level. Ranked 127 in the world, The Georgian has now lost five of her last nine matches and will be hoping to return strong when she next returns the tour.
Meanwhile, Jamie Hampton of United States opened her account in fine fashion at the WTA Premier Mandatory event clinching a three set victory over Arantxa Rus of Netherlands.
The first set was played on a very competitive note however the Dutch broke the serve once to take the set 6-3. The match entered an exciting phase as the second set went into the tie-breaker. Both players held their serve until
thirteenth game of the set when Hampton leveled the score with a forehand winner down the line. Hampton got the momentum going in her favour in the third set as well as she lost only a couple of games in it to seal the contest 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 and that lasted
for two hours and thirty five minutes.
Jamie Hampton will now take on Russian Ksenia Pervak for a place in the main draw whereas Laura Pous Tio will face American Madison Keys.
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