Spain’s Garbine Muguruza has booked a place in the last 32 of the US Open for the first time since 2017 after ousting Germany’s Andrea Petkovic in straight sets.
The ninth seed scored a double break at the start of each set during her 6-4, 6-2, win over the German player who she had lost to in their three previous Tour meetings. Although prior to today, the last time they clashed was all the way back in 2016. This time around, it was Muguruza who was able to prevail with the help of some heavy-hitting and deep shots towards the baseline. Producing a total of 21 winners against 14 unforced errors as she broke Petkovic six times in total.
“It was difficult because we are great friends and we train a lot together. It’s never easy to play against somebody who you know a lot,” said Muguruza.
“We have played before (on the Tour) and I was very young and she was more experienced. I took my chance today. I’ve prepared better and I’m a different player so I am very happy that I played well.”
Both the first and second sets followed a similar pattern with the two-time Grand Slam champion breaking twice in a row to open up a 3-0 lead before Petkovic would retrieve one of those breaks. However, Muguruza was the healthier of the two on the court with her opponent occasionally showing signs of trouble with her knee.
Closing in on the victory with a 6-4 4-2 lead in her favour, a Petkovic unforced error gifted the Spaniard yet another break and a chance to serve the match out. Working her way to two match points she triumphed on her second opportunity with another gruelling rally concluding with a Petkovic error.
Muguruza’s run in New York is a much-needed boost after two disappointing lead-up events in North America where she failed to win back-to-back matches. In the next round, she will play either Jasmine Paolini or three-time finalist Victoria Azarenka.
“I am very interested when I have to play an opponent. I want to know everything and whoever wins (Azarenka or Paolini) it’s going to be a tough one.” Muguruza commented.
Despite being a former world No.1, Muguruza has enjoyed limited success at Flushing Meadows so far in her career. This year in only the second time in her career she has reached the third round. However, six out of the eight WTA titles she has won have been on a hardcourt.
