For the first time in 11 years, Aussie Sam Stosur is into the Apia International Sydney quarterfinals and her resounding defeat of Slovakian player Daniela Hantuchova made a statement that she is on a mission.
Plagued with early exits on her home turf in the past few years, Stosur left few hints of breaking on Tuesday, as she powered to a 6-4 6-2 win in a short and straightforward match. With a win against Monica Puig tomorrow, former Grand Slam champion Stosur could be looking fit for a deep run in Melbourne.
Later in the day, two closer matches played out, with the first between Sara Errani and Jelena Jankovic. In a thrilling finish, Errani eked out a 7-6(3) 7-6(8) victory against her opponent. The Italian found herself down 5-1 in the second set, but battled tenaciously back to keep the match to two sets.
World number two Simona Halep, perhaps feeling lingering effects from an Achilles injury, took three sets to oust Caroline Garcia, the fiesty Frenchwoman who has had success against the likes of Ana Ivanovic and Petra Kvitova in the past two years. The Romanian finished the match decidedly, however, with a final score of 6-4 2-6 6-1.
In other news, Angelique Kerber, who made the finals at last week’s Brisbane International and looked impressive in her first-round victory, withdrew against Ekaterina Makarova with gastrointestinal issues before her match. (photos: Jimmie48)
Go Monica Puig! Yoohoooo!