Former world number 11, Alizé Cornet (104th WTA), faced Camila Osorio (98th WTA) at the WTA – 250 tournament in Austin. Two women who have both seen better days in the past in their respective careers.
Alizé Cornet was back in competition in the United States. Eliminated in the second round in Cluj a month ago by Arantxa Rus and deprived of her first quarterfinal in 2024, the Niçoise was able to recover from her defeat with a few days of rest on the French Riviera. Two weeks ago, the tennis champion took to the field at the Allianz Riviera to symbolically kick off the derby against AS Monaco.
In their head-to-head encounters, Camila Osorio led 1-0 and was slightly favored on paper. Last February in Lyon, the Colombian had beaten the Frenchwoman on her home soil 2 sets to 1. The former world number 33 repeated her victory, once again beating the Niçoise in straight sets (2-0).
Alizé Cornet thoroughly dominated
Alizé Cornet’s journey ended prematurely in Austin. After 1 hour and 30 minutes of play, the Maralpine was logically defeated (6-3, 6-2) by Camila Osorio. Thoroughly dominated, the Maralpine could not find the right strategy to beat her rival. She found herself in trouble multiple times, committing significant mistakes. Decisive errors, like a missed smash or drop shots into the net.
The Colombian’s brilliant physical condition quickly made the difference. It was a feeling of powerlessness for Alizé Cornet. Throughout the match, she never managed to impose her rhythm against the South American. “I can’t do it! I can’t do it, I can’t,” she was heard complaining at the end of the 9th game.
At 22 years old, Camila Osorio appeared much fitter than the Frenchwoman, whose experience (34 years old) was not enough to make a difference. All the determination that usually exemplifies her strength was not felt. A bit below par physically and mentally affected, there was nothing to be done that night. On the other side, with a smile on her face and a fist pump after each key point won, the Colombian seemed to greatly enjoy the court. A form of combativeness allowed her to win comfortably, 2 sets to 0, against Alizé Cornet, who will soon be looking to earn some important ranking points with an eye on participating in her 70th Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
In the next round of the WTA 250 in Austin, Osorio will face Anhelina Kalinina or Sara Bejlek.
