Lauren Davis eases past Tori Kinard in qualifiers – Citi Open 2012
In an all-American affair, qualifying fourth seeded Lauren Davis trashed her wildcard compatriot, Tori Kinard, in straight sets at the Citi Open 2012 on Friday. She jolted down a 6-4, 6-2 victory against the 24-year-old to secure a spot in the final qualifying
round at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) International-level tournament taking place in Washington D.C, United States.
The 18-year-old Davis outshined her fellow citizen in one hour and 43 minutes to progress into the final round of the qualifying competition at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Davis made a drastic start at this outdoor hard court tournament taking place form 28th July to 5th August. She suffered the first blow in the second game and fell at 0-3. However, the higher ranked American stayed in contention and
went on a four-game tear. Despite levelling the scores in the eighth game, Davis got the breakthrough in the ninth game and clicked the opener with a 6-4 win.
Ranked 145th in the WTA Premier Rankings, Davis maintained her intensity in the following set and earned the critical break in the opening game. Regardless of losing her edge in the very next game, the teenager unleashed her true colours and stroke
out the following four games in a row. She held her serve once more and carved out the victory with a 6-2 score line.
Summing up performance of the seeded contestant, Davis spilled more double faults and produced a lower first serve share of 68 per cent in contrast with her opponent’s 75 per cent. However, she impressively availed 26 out of 41 points on it and cashed in
six out of 11 break chances to earn the limelight.
Up next for Davis is the eighth seed, Jennier Elie, who also crushed her wildcard compatriot, Simone Kalhorn, in straight sets to set up this battle.
The qualifying third seed, Jana Cepelova, will accompany Davis in the following round. He lost his serve once to gift away the opening set but broke her opponent’s serve five times, subsequently clicking the match with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 score line in one hour
and 47 minutes.
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