Lucie Hradecka and Laura Pous-Tio advance at the 2011 BNP Paribas Open
Lucie Hradecka eased past Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium 7-6, 6-2 on Thursday to advance into the next round of 2011 Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California.
The first set was played on a highly competitive note. Both players exchanged breaks twice in the set, however, in the tie-breaker the Czech clinched the set with a powerful forehand winner down the line.
Hradecka then completely outclassed her opponent in the second as she made two serve breaks and held her serve games. The 25 year old displayed some crafty tennis and completed the victory after only 1 hour and 32 minutes of play.
The Czech dominated the challenger in the serve department of the game as she fired 11 aces in the match to win points at crucial moments. She won 79 percent of her first serve points with her aggressive “close to the net” approach
and strong temperament. In addition to her attacking abilities the Czech had immaculate defense as well which allowed her to save 6 break points in the match.
“Overall it was a satisfying performance for me”, said the world number 86.
The Czech achieved her career high ranking of world number 32 in June 2011 and has given solid performances since the start of 2011 but critics have questioned her ability to win matches against top ranked players of the world.
She was knocked out in the second round of Memphis USA earlier this year after winning three matches in straight sets. She then looked in fabulous touch at the Monterrey Open just a week ago winning four straight matches before
she was ousted by Ksenia Pervak of Russia. She would have to up her game play if she wants to reach the final stages of the event.
The Belgian Flipkens on the other hand was unable to win crucial break points during the contest and paid the price. She committed a large number of unforced errors including 5 doubles faults that also played a part in deciding
the outcome of the match.
Meanwhile Spanish Laura Pous-Tio continued her successful run at the tour defeating Angelique Kerber of Germany in a match that lasted for only 1 hour and 7 minutes. The 26 year old Spaniard downed her opponent with her magnificent
forehands and backhands. An easy win over a player ranked higher than herself will certainly give her the confidence to take on other top players at the event.
Pous-Tio has given noticeable performances since the start of this season improving her Women’s Tennis Association ranking significantly. She reached the quarterfinals at Mexican Open just a couple of weeks ago and will be hoping
to deliver the goods here in a field full of fierce competitors.
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