In her second qualifying match for the main draw of Roland-Garros, Fiona Ferro faced the Brazilian Carolina Alves (ranked 222nd in the world – 27 years old).
A match that was not so straightforward against a player who is having the best season of her career. However, the start of the encounter quickly turned to the advantage of Fiona Ferro. Visibly hindered by a problem with her left foot, the Brazilian let the first set slip away by repeatedly committing unforced errors. Treated by the tournament physician, nothing seemed to change as her footwork was heavily impacted by her injury. Fiona Ferro didn’t miss the opportunity to wrap up the first set (6-0).
At the start of the second set, the Brazilian showed better intent. However, these hopes were short-lived as Alves’ prospects faded after three games. Fiona Ferro got back in gear and played much more aggressively. This made her opponent doubt herself, leading to more unforced errors. Encouraged by the many children who came to support her, the player from Azur caught up and overtook Carolina Alves on the scoreboard. Pushed to a tie-break, Ferro made some errors on forehand attacks. But the tenacity of the Nice Lawn Tennis Club resident allowed her to gain the upper hand in the decisive game. She closed with a winning serve to take it 7 points to 5.
Final score (6-0/7-6 in 1h34). Fiona Ferro will face the Australian Jaimee Fourlis in her last qualifying match.
