Elena Vesnina has started her Hobart International title defence in style, defeating Monica Puig 6-4 6-4 today.
The first round match started on Monday night, but rain forced the players off court after two games and after a long wait the match was abandoned and rescheduled for today.
“It was difficult. We stayed here to around 10.30pm and were waiting to find out what was going on,” Vesnina said.
The match resumed today at 1-all in the first set.
Puig was able to strike early, breaking Vesnina in the opening game and jumping out to a 3-1 lead. The third-seeded Vesnina broke back though, evening it at 3-all.
Both players struggled on serve throughout the match, with the wind causing havoc. Multiple breaks ensued, but it was Vesnina who was able to handle the conditions best, able to secure pivotal breaks at the end of each set.
“It was difficult for us to serve and to move as well,” Vesnina said. “I knew it was going to be windy in Hobart and my win last year helped me to understand how to play with the wind. You have to play consistently and be focused throughout the whole match more than when you are playing without wind.”
Vesnina conceded this experience was a pivotal reason for her win. This is the seventh time she has competed in Hobart, while 20 year-old Puig was making her debut at the tournament.
“Definitely experience helped me today,” Vesnina said. “She is a young player and when I was 19, 20 I was playing the wind the same, I was getting frustrated and complaining about the wind. Right now, I know what to do.”
Vesnina moves into the second round, where she will play Spanish qualifier Estrella Cabeza Candela.
The world no. 24 hopes to lift her game as she aims to become the first player to win back-to-back Hobart International titles.
“There is always room for improvement,” she said.