There were momentum swings, brilliant shot-making and even some tears as Alison Riske booked a place in the Hobart International second round.
The No.89-ranked American fought back from a slow start to upset eighth-seeded Czech Katerina Siniakova 2-6 6-3 7-5 today.
After a see-sawing battle that lasted two hours and 32 minutes, Riske admitted she was simply relieved to have prevailed.
“I knew going into it it was going to be a battle. Obviously she had an awesome week last week and she’s an awesome player,” Riske said.
“I fought a lot of nerves and a lot of different things in that match, but I did come out on top so it was definitely a relief.”
@Riske4rewards prevails over Siniakova in a grueling 2 hr 33 min battle 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 @HobartTennis pic.twitter.com/SDHcKs5UNB
— WTA (@WTA) January 9, 2018
A 16-deuce game early in the third set was symbolic of the titanic battle this match was.
Siniakova took an early advantage in the decider, reducing Riske to tears as she moved ahead a crucial break.
“It was a tough moment for me,” Riske said. “I had quite a few chances and I wasn’t able to consolidate. It can be tiring, but that was my bad for letting it be mentally tiring in that moment. It’s something to learn from for sure.”
Vowing to be more aggressive, Riske fought back to record her first career-win against her No.59-ranked opponent.
“I think it’s almost 100 per cent mental, especially towards the end,” Riske said.
The American now plays Belgian qualifier Kirsten Flipkens in the second round.
Last year’s finalist Monica Niculescu won an all-Romanian first round clash, beating No.6 seed Irina-Camelia Begu 6-3 6-2. She plays American Varvara Lepchenko in the second round tomorrow.