No surprise for Fiona Ferro. The French player logically lost against the young Polish player, Iga Swiatek (6-4, 6-3).
The task appeared challenging on paper for Fiona Ferro. The Nice native, ranked 46th in the world, faced Iga Swiatek, ranked 17th in the world, in the third round of the Australian Open. The 19-year-old Polish player, who is predicted to have a promising future, came into the match as the favorite.
Swiatek started the match at full throttle, and Fiona Ferro was on the back foot. The player from Nice wasn’t in her game, and the Polish player quickly took the lead with two breaks (3-0). However, the French player gradually got into her stride. In a surprising first set, Ferro fought back and won four consecutive games to take the lead (4-3).
Nevertheless, just as Ferro took the lead, Swiatek responded by increasing her intensity. The Polish player was once again aggressive in the exchange, often gaining the advantage thanks to her power (11 winners in the first set). The young Polish player eventually made a break at the perfect moment (5-4). When it came time to conclude, Swiatek’s arm didn’t shake. The 17th-ranked player logically secured the first set in 44 minutes (6-4).
Too many errors for Fiona Ferro
Unfortunately, the second set began much like the first. Fiona Ferro was broken right away (1-0). The French player was chasing after the score, without ever managing to catch up. She was far too imprecise despite her attempts. With only 7 winners compared to 27 unforced errors throughout the match, Ferro struggled.
Without really exerting herself, Swiatek relied on her serve (63% of first serves in this match). The Polish player even managed to make a new break (5-2). As Swiatek served for a spot in the round of 16, Fiona Ferro managed to earn a reprieve and achieve her first break back (5-3). Unfortunately, the Nice native faltered in the next game. Iga Swiatek ultimately won in 1 hour and 26 minutes of play (6-4, 6-3).
Fiona Ferro has no reason to be ashamed of her performance. After reaching the third round of this Australian Open, the Nice native should gain a few places in the world rankings. This offers her a positive outlook on the future… Among the French players, only Kristina Mladenovic is still in the competition. The 52nd-ranked player will face the American Jessica Pegula, ranked 61st, tonight for a spot in the round of 16.
