Garbine Muguruza’s quest to become the first Spanish winner of the WTA Finals has got off to a strong start after she defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-4, in her first match.
Playing each other on the tour for the third time this season, it was Muguruza’s relentless and consistency that brought her the victory. Both women have won grand slam titles this season, but the more inexperienced Ostapenko struggled to maintain a fine balance in her shot-making. Illustrated by a winner-error count of 21-25. As a result, the former world No.1 to battled towards the finish line.
“She is so confident right now. She’s young and she’s fearless.” Muguruza said of Ostapenko to BT Sport. “I knew that so I had to be focused on every point and wait for my opportunity.”
The score fails to tell the full story of the match. During the opening set both players illustrated some of their best tennis. Ostapenko’s lacklustre serving was counteracted by an array of winners hit across the court. Meanwhile, Muguruza’s ability to dictate the rallies with her powerful ground-strokes reminded the tour of how she clinched the Wimbledon trophy earlier this year.
Racing to a 4-1 lead at the start of the match, Muguruza had a stern task to tame her opponent. The 20-year-old, who is the youngest player in the tournament since 2010, reduced the deficit to 4-3 with the help of a forehand error from the Spaniard on break point. Despite the comeback, Ostapenko’s inconsistency proved too costly. Enabling Muguruza to hit back harder and close out the opening set with relative ease.
In poll position, Muguruza refused to be contempt. Less than a month ago, she led the Latvian by a set at the Wuhan Open in China before losing the match. This time round it was a different scenario. The world No.2 was calm and focused on the court, giving little away. A stark contrast to Ostapenko, who appeared very animated after certain points.
Breaking two consecutive times, Muguruza eased to a set and 5-1 lead. Still, she struggled to close the match out against the French Open champion. Displaying her first signs of nerves, a below-par service game allowed the gap to be closed to 5-4. Despite the blip, Muguruza eventually prevailed on her third match point. Hitting a forehand down the line that was unsuccessfully returned by her rival.
“It was tough to close.” Admitted the world No.2. “She was fighting for every ball, every point and I know I had to be very concentrated. It was good that I could close (the match out) in two sets.”
“I think I was fighting well and my shots were there in the important moments.” – @GarbiMuguruza #WTAFinals pic.twitter.com/pWJsSN9Suv
— WTA (@WTA) 22 October 2017
