Dutchwomen Richel Hogenkamp and Kiki Bertens are both one win away from earning a place in the Hobart International 2016 main draw.
Bertens, the eighth seed and 2015 Hobart International doubles champion, needed three sets to beat Greece’s Maria Sakkari 4-6 6-0 6-1 in the second round of qualifying today. After a slow start, Bertens only lost a total of 22 points in the second and third sets.
“It was a tough one, I didn’t play good today,” Bertens said. “I tried to start aggressive and I think the first two or three games were okay, but then I made a lot of mistakes and my focus was not so good. After losing the first set I told myself ‘okay, just hit every ball into the court and run for your life and see what happens’.”
Hogenkamp, the world No.132, upset fifth seed Urszula Radwanska. She too started slowly, but fought back to win 4-6 6-3 6-2.
Third seed Kurumi Nara was clinical as she progressed, dispatching American Katerina Stewart 6-2 6-1 in just over an hour.
“I played very well today, so I’m very happy to win,” the 24-year-old Japanese player said.
The world No.81, who was a semifinalist last year, converted all six break point chances in the victory.
“I love Hobart. I like the good views and this is a nice tennis court and so many crowd come here, so I like this tournament and hope to keep going well this year too,” Nara said.
Her compatriot Naomi Osaka continued her giant-killing run through the qualifying draw. The 18-year-old eliminated in-form Belgian player Ysaline Bonaventure 2-6 6-3 6-2. Osaka, the world No.144 who defeated top seed Tatjana Maria yesterday, served 11 aces in the win.
“I’m happy I won, but I’m not happy about how I played,” she said, declaring she needed to improve her consistency and handle her nerves better.
Her next opponent is another rising star of the game – 19-year-old Frenchwoman Oceane Dodin. The world No.155 proved too strong for Croatian Jana Fett winning 6-2 6-0 in their second round clash.
“It was a very good match, my serve was very good today,” Dodin said. “I’m very happy to be in the third round here.”
Fellow French player Pauline Parmentier joins her in the final round of qualifying after a 6-3 6-1 win over Czech Republic’s Tereza Martincova.
Australian wildcard Zoe Hives could not emulate yesterday’s heroics, beaten by Spaniard Laura Pous-Tio in straight sets.