Lucie Safarova outshines Francesca Schiavone in round three – BNP Paribas Open 2012
Czech Republic’s Lucie Safarova was leading the first set by 6-2 when her 10th seeded opponent, Francesca Schiavone, was forced to retire due to illness at the BNP Paribas Open 2012 on Monday. As a result, the 23rd seed advanced into the fourth round to confront the French number one Marion Bartoli at this joint hard court tournament taking place in Indian Wells, United States.
The world number 28 displayed tremendous skills at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Premier Mandatory event and after breaking Schiavone’s serve twice, she bagged the opener. However, the former French Open titlist was not able to continue the match due to a virus she picked up at night, subsequently pulling out from the tournament.
"I picked up the virus in the middle of the night and didn't feel well this morning," looming said. "I went out there because I wanted to play but unfortunately I couldn't continue. I felt ill in my stomach, my head, and my muscles felt weak."
Safarova thundered into the opening set and drew the first blood in the opening game to take the initial lead. She then held her composure and not only plucked entire serves without facing any breakpoint but also cashed in another break chance in the seventh game to pull out the opener with a 6-2 win in 28 minutes.
The Czech outshined her rival in every department of tennis in this opening set. She clobbered a much better first serve share of 79 per cent as opposed to the Italian’s 38 per cent and superbly marked 12 out of 15 points on it.
Ranked 12th in the WTA Premier Rankings, Schiavone then felt severe pain and weakness, ultimately withdrawing from the match. Safarova on the other hand not only took lead in the head-to-head series by 4-3 against the Italian but also booked a spot in the round of 16 where Bartoli awaits her.
The seventh seeded Bartoli devastated South Africa’s Chanelle Scheepers with a bagel to secure this spot. She broke Scheepers’ serve seven times and lost her serve twice to nudge up a 6-2, 6-0 score line in 71 minutes.
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