Sharon Fichman lays off Julia Boserup in the 2nd qualifying round – Bank of the West Classic 2011
Sunday July 24, 2011 was the start of the second qualifying round of the Bank of the West Classic Tournament 2011. Sharon Fichman and Julia Boserup played at the Taube Family Tennis Center, Stanford University, California. The Canuck (Sharon Fichman) won the match 6-2, 7-5 against her American opponent (Julia).
This was not the first time both the players had contested against each other and hence, were familiar with each other’s skills and technique. Prior to the last time they met, Sharon had won in 2009 at the Toronto Cup. Gaining a 1-0 in their head to head, the Higher Power made their paths cross again and this time it was in 2011 at the Waterloo Open women's tennis Challenger, where Fichman had defeated Julia again and was leading 2-0 in their head to head. Not wanting to lose for the third time and the second time this season both the players battled it out on the outdoor hard courts of the Taube Family Tennis Center at the Bank of the West Classic Tournament 2011.
The first set of the match saw neither of the players throw an ace, however Julia’s accuracy had faltered and she struck four double faults hitting the net where as Sharon performed with excellent precession and struck zero double faults. Although the only difference between the total service points of both the players was nine percent (Julia attaining fifty percent and Sharon fifty nine percent) Sharon also had a fifty percent win on her total return points where as Julia performed below the par and won only thirty six percent on her total return points of the set.
However, Julia was unable to capitalize on break points as her opponent had a strong defence and did not commit any break points on her serve. Thus, Sharon won the set by converting her opponent’s break points to her advantage and won the set with a total of eight more points than Julia’s in the total set points.
The second set was a close match between both the players. However, during the second set both the players broke each other three times in the first ten games to square off the score at 5-5. Fichman broke Boserup in the eleventh game to take a 6-5 lead and served out the set in the next game, grabbing it 7-5.
Overall in the second set, Sharon was able to hit an ace and with an immaculate accuracy hit zero double faults. Sharon hung in the match and did not let her opponent take control instead she availed any opportunity she got and was able to triumph over Julia by scoring three more points in the total set points.
The Canadian (Sharon) will now be facing the Ukrainian Olga Savchuk in the final qualifying round of the Bank of the West Classic Tournament 2011.
Tags: