Sofia Arvidsson upsets Lucie Safarova in the opening round – Generali Ladies Linz 2012
World number 47, Sofia Arvidsson, bounced back a set down to upset the 18th ranked Czech star, Lucie Safarova, in the opening round clash of Generali Ladies Linz in Austria. On Monday, the 28-year-old Swede bagged her 400th professional victory; dumping the fourth seed Czech in three sets with scores of 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.
Arvidsson opened up the tour of Austria in a great style; registering a win after a gruelling contest of two hours and three minutes at the hard courts of Linz. These players had never faced each other despite a lengthy professional career under their belt. Hence, it was a treat to witness a match without any mind games featuring into play.
Safarova wasn’t on top of her game from the start; was unsuccessful in holding on to her serve in the first game of the match. On the other hand, the Swede star showed immense control on her serves and drove out the resistance of the 25-year-old to protect the breakthrough. A comeback from the Czech star helped her grab a breakpoint in the fourth game that equalized the scores at 2-2.
Both players easily capitalized on their serves to push the scores at 4-3 in favour of Safarova with her opponent serving to tie the scores. Arvidsson faltered on her serve and allotted a breakpoint in the most critical stages of the set. She couldn’t keep the set alive and lost the first phase of the match.
Safarova was expected to cruise ahead in the second set but the proceedings went otherwise. The Swede bagged two back-to-back breakpoints to pile up a stupendous lead of 5-1. An exchange of breakpoints in the following two games ended the second set in quick succession. It was a terrific comeback for the 47th ranked Swede who was handed a tough draw in the opening round.
The fourth seed Czech failed to hold serve in the second game of the match and a swap of breakpoints, half way through, didn’t help her cause at all. Arvidsson was serving for the match but she dropped a breakpoint. However, she broke serve back in the 12th game to win the encounter.
Lucie Hradecka will be the next opponent for Sofia Arvidsson.
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