Shuai Peng conquers Heather Watson to make it into the quarterfinal – AEGON Classic 2011
Shuai Peng thrashed out Great Britain’s Heather Watson 7-6 (1), 6-1 on Thursday to advance into the quarterfinal of 2011 Women’s Tennis Association AEGON Classic in Birmingham.
Watson started made a solid start against world number 20 Peng losing the opener in a tie-breaker. However losing her confidence, she was unable to get any timing on her shots afterwards as she let Peng complete her straight sets victory.
"I played a really bad tie-break and after that my confidence went down," said Watson, who made her Top 100 debut on the rankings this week at No.93. "I tried to forget about it and just started fresh in the second set but my returns let me down today. I feel like I am getting stronger mentally, though, and I am excited for next week", said Watson.
Making it to the finals of 2011 Strasbourg just a few weeks ago, the 20-year-old Peng has looked in great form since the WTA tournament has started. The number three seed started the match on a very bright note as she dashed a gorgeous forehand winner down the line to pocket her first service game. Watson concentrated on her own game play and managed to drag the set into a tie-breaker. Having more experience at the international level, Peng took the tie-breaker 7-1 to take the set score lead 1-0.
Watson completely lost the plot in the second set as she struggled to execute her game plan. Although the 19-year-old gave a tough time to the Chinese in the opening set, she was unable to find her game play and managed to win only a game as the match ended in straight sets.
Peng fired two aces and also converted 84 percent of the points on her first serve. A forty percent share of the points in the serve return department ensured her strong position in the contest. Struggling to return the serve, Watson managed to win only twenty percent of the points on her opponent’s serve. The Brit was clearly disappointed with her effort and aimed to make a strong come back at the Wimbledon.
Peng moves on ahead to play Marina Erakovic from New Zealand. Erakovic bounced back from a set down to do away with seventh seed Sara Errani in her third round match here, registering a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
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