Australian Storm Sanders has recorded the first WTA main draw match of her young career with a round one victory over China’s Shuai Peng today.
The wildcard entrant was impressive in the 6-2 6-2 victory, playing aggressive tennis and dominating her more experienced opponent on Court Events Tasmania.
“I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face yet,” Sanders said post-match. “I went out and had nothing to lose. I played really solid and tried to use my forehand as much as possible and didn’t make many errors. I just stuck to my game plan and really believed in myself.”
Even when Peng looked like threatening, Sanders was able to find an answer.
The Chinese player, the reigning Wimbledon doubles champion who has a career-high singles ranking of 14, had break back points while trailing 2-3 in the second set. Yet Sanders continued to attack when under pressure and was able to strike winners to thwart Peng’s attempt to get back into the match.
From there Sanders raced to a 5-2 lead, securing a second break.
Serving for the match, Sanders took a 40-0 lead. Her nerves were evident as an unforced error and double fault saw two match points slip away, but the 19 year-old was able to steady herself and take the match.
“I knew she wasn’t just going to go away. She is a really good player,” Sanders said. “I didn’t think too much about the score, I just played every point on its merit.”
Sanders was granted a wildcard into the Hobart International main draw after fellow Australian and close friend Ashleigh Barty withdrew from the tournament with injury. The world no. 234 has taken full advantage, with the victory over Peng, the world no. 39, the biggest of her career.
Sanders plays second seed and world no.19 Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in round two.
She is the fourth Australian into the tournament’s second round, joining Samantha Stosur, Casey Dellacqua and Olivia Rogowska who all advanced yesterday.