HONG KONG—On a rain–affected evening at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open World number one, and top-seed, Angelique Kerber is being made to work hard by Louisa Chirico, ranked 60 in the WTA, in their 2nd round match. Kerber leads 6-2, 3-6 and is 2-1 up in the third set.
The match is delayed until tomorrow, but the outcome is in the balance. The match was thrice disrupted by weather; firstly, towards the end of the first set; then crucially at the end of the second set, with Chirico serving with a double set-point. Fortunately for Chirico, the hour plus break did not upset her concentration, and she took the second set 3-6 to force the match into a deciding third set. The score stands at 2-1 to Kerber, with Chirico to serve, once formalities restart tomorrow.
Both players played accurate tennis with few unforced errors, with precise baseline shots moving each other from side-to-side on court. The first set was characterized by the precision of Kerber, and Chirico’s inability to hold serve. The second set was more evenly balanced: credit to Chirico she forced Kerber to move much more and created excellent winning shots to take the second set. Both players need to wait until tomorrow to continue the fight..
In the earlier match on Centre Court, the only 2nd round match completed, Jelena Jankovic, seeded 7th beat her spirited Serbian compatriot Aleksandra Krunic (ranked 141 in the WTA) 6-4, 6-3.
And on Court 1 in another rain-delayed match, 8th seed Daria Gavrilova from Australia leads Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 1-0.
Play resumes tomorrow, incorporating the matches delayed by rain, including the one between second seed Venus Williams and her French opponent Alize Cornet. This match was scheduled for today, but the inclement weather meant they didn’t even get on court.
Grahame Carder is a sports enthusiast, former player and now resident in Hong Kong.
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