Vera Zvonareva eases past Anastasia Rodionova to reach the fourth round – French Open 2011
World number three Vera Zvonareva humbled Australian Anastasia Rodionova 6-2, 6-3 on Friday to book her place in the fourth round of 2011 French Open. Seeded third at the Women’s Tennis Association tournament, Zvonareva had nervy moments in her second round match against German Sabine Lisicki when she was trailing 5-2 in the final. However, she looked on top of her game here in the third round play against Rodionova and required only one hour and 27 minutes to end the contest.
Being in commanding form over the last few months, Zvonareva made a very confident start to the match as executed her shots brilliantly. Showing a great composure, the Russian held on to her crucial serve games and broke her opponent at regular intervals to gain the psychological advantage. Although Rodionova broke back twice in the set, she was unable to stop the flow of points against her as she let Zvonareva take the set score lead 1-0.
The second set also followed a very similar pattern with Zvonareva converting most the available chances. Rodionova struggled to make most of the opportunities presented to her and committed a whopping 19 unforced errors in the set. Although the Australian had an impressive 80 per cent first serve conversion in the set, she gifted too many point to her opponent and soon found herself on a brink of defeat. Zvonareva converted the first match point to ensure her last 16 berth at the Grand Slam tournament.
Rodionova expressed her views in a post match interview, saying, "Vera played really well, really solid tennis today. She didn't give me anything but overall I felt pretty good on the court. Of course I'm disappointed that I lost the match but I think it was a good tournament for me. I had two good wins and I feel like I'm starting to play good tennis."
Zvonareva played the more controlled game as compared to her opponent and was able to handle pressure at crucial situations during the set. Asserting dominance over her opponent in the serve return department, she secured 62 percent of the points, which of course played a vital role in deciding the outcome of the clash.
The Russian has done exceptionally well on the WTA tour since the year 2011 has started, reaching the semi-final at the Australian Open. She will try to work her magic at the year’s second Grand Slam as well. Pulling in incredible victories and WTA titles since she turned professional, Zvonareva has transformed herself into an improved athlete.
However, she has an average record here at Roland Garros and will try to lift her first Grand Slam title here in Paris. She is the only top seeded player left at the tournament now after Clijsters and Wozniacki experienced shocking defeats earlier.
Tags: