For her final qualifying match for the main draw of the French Open, Fiona Ferro faced the Australian Jaimee Fourlis (ranked 150th in the world – 23 years old).
A very aggressive player with a strong forehand that troubled Ferro right from the start of the match. The French player tried to put Jaimee Fourlis in difficulty by forcing her into lateral movements. The Australian made several poor tactical choices, allowing the player from the French Riviera to catch up. Once settled into her match, Fiona Ferro played much more freely to win the first set (6-3).
In the second set, the tension rose and Fourlis made a comeback. Fiona Ferro temporarily lost her focus. Trailing 4-1, the member of the Nice Lawn Tennis Club couldn’t make up the deficit and let the second set slip away (6-2).
At the start of the third set, Fiona Ferro disrupted her opponent by playing with high, looping shots. A fierce battle ensued. However, this was interrupted by an incident external to the match. A spectator in the stands fell ill and required medical attention. Ten minutes later, the French player resumed her aggressive play. The tension rose on Court No. 14, with each player responding shot for shot. In the middle of this decisive set, Fiona Ferro had three break points. The third one was successful, allowing her to take the lead, an opportunity she held on to until the end despite the intense pressure from her opponent.
The final score (6-3/2-6/6-4 in 2 hours 15 minutes) is in favor of the player from the French Riviera, who will compete in the main draw of the Paris Grand Slam. Just like her compatriot Alizée Cornet, who will face the Italian Camila Giorgi.
We will have to wait a bit to know who Fiona Ferro’s opponent will be in the first round.
