Unseeded world No.44 Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) has ended Patty Schnyder’s (SUI) hopes of a second title at the Moorilla Hobart International, defeating the world No.14 in straight sets.
Pironkova dominated the match from the outset winning the first set 6-2. Although Schnyder fought back towards the end of the second set Pironkova kept her cool, winning the match 6-2 6-4.
“I’m really happy, I didn’t expect to play so well today,” Pironkova said after the win.
“I managed to stay in the court (the ball) and hit deeps shots, and she (Schnyder) didn’t play her best tennis.
“To beat the No.14 is a big win, I’ve only had three or four top 20 wins so this is a big win for me,” Pironkova said.
No.7 seed Alona Bondarenko (UKR) survived a second set scare against Romania’s Monica Niculescu to make it through to the second round.
After starting strongly, the world No.30 lost her concentration in the second set allowing Niculescu back into the game. In the final set Bondarenko regained her composure breaking Niculescu’s serve and taking the match, 6-4 2-6 6-2.
“Yeah it was tough match, her game is really difficult. I’m just happy to win,” Bondarenko said after the match.
“In second set I lost my serve and started to be nervous a little bit … she played better, and then in the final set, I started better (than her).
“She is good player … I think it’s not her best yet,” Bondarenko said.
In other first round matches, Australian Sally Peers (VIC) made her WTA Tour debut against world No.44 Petra Kvitova from Czech Republic.
Despite going down 6-0 6-0, the 17 year old was positive after the match and received praise from her opponent.
“It was amazing (the experience), it could have gone better but it was really enjoyable and I look forward to next time.”
“I’m really grateful for the experience, I’ll be better for it. I think I served better than her and it was a real learning experience for me,” Peers said.
“It is a huge step up. I was only going to find out by playing. It wasn’t the best but it will get better.”
Fellow Australian’s Jessica Moore (WA) and Olivia Rogowska (VIC) were in action in the first doubles match of the tournament. The pair put up a good fight but went down 6-2 6-4 to Ekaterina Dzehalevich (BLR) and Tatiana Poutchek (BLR).