As the first Grand Slam began in Australia, the outcome of the first day is mixed for the Southerners. Fiona Ferro barely managed to defeat Katerina Siniakova (6-7(5),6-2,6-4) just like Alizé Cornet who turned the situation around against Valeria Savinykh (6-2,4-6,7-6(7)).
It’s finally the big day for the tennis world! In a special context marked by Covid-19, the Australian Open has finally started in the heat of Melbourne. This year, the women’s draw features big names, including Serena Williams and Simona Halep. On the side of the Maralpines participating in this first day, Fiona Ferro battled to overcome the Czech player, Katerina Siniakova (6-7(5),6-2,6-4). Later in the day, the Nice native, Alizé Cornet, emulated her compatriot with a hard-fought victory (6-2,4-6,7-6(7)).
Fiona Ferro, a victory of mental strength
After a challenging recovery notably marked by food poisoning in Abu Dhabi, Fiona Ferro, originating from Valbonne, emerged victorious in her first round. A battle lasting 2 hours and 20 minutes to propel her to the second round of the Australian Open. Not everything was simple for the Frenchwoman, but the essential was achieved. On Monday, she faced the Czech player, ranked 62nd, whom she was meeting for the first time on the circuit. Her opponent, in good form, secured the first set after a decisive tie-break. Aggressive from the baseline, Siniakova often took risks and control in the first set.
Emmanuel Planque’s protégé fought back. With her warrior mentality, the recent Roland-Garros round of 16 finalist turned the tide. The French player can thank her opponent and her 71 unforced errors. Focused and concentrated, Ferro logically won the second set before confirming her break at 2-2 in the final set. Benefiting from a good first serve, Ferro held onto her serve until she glimpsed the second round.
Cornet with experience
Alizé Cornet had a scare against the Russian Valeria Savynikh, but the Nice native will still see the second round of the Australian Open. After comfortably winning the first set (6-2), things got complicated for the Frenchwoman. Determined and tenacious, the 29-year-old Russian qualifier gave Alizé Cornet a hard time. Savynikh controlled the second set (6-4) before completely sinking the French player in the final set (4-0).
The French player, ranked 54th in the world, showed character and achieved a small feat by magnificently reversing the situation. Alizé Cornet, combative as usual, strung together games to be trailing 5 to 4. The two players were separated in a decisive tie-break. With experience, Alizé Cornet took the lead without ever faltering to win 10 to 7.
