Invited by the organizers of the WTA 500 in Strasbourg, Alizé Cornet was defeated in the first round by Marie Bouzkova.
After a few weeks’ break to heal a triceps injury contracted in La Bisbal d’Empordà and dragged like a burden over the recent tournaments, Alizé Cornet returned to the courts. The Nice native was playing her sixth singles match (plus two doubles in the BJKC) since announcing her return to the circuit in March. Benefiting from a wildcard from the organizers of the WTA 500 in Strasbourg, the Nice native was on court this morning. Just like Diane Parry the day before who won in two sets against Leylah Fernandez.
For her debut in the tournament, the Nice native faced Czech player Marie Bouzkova (26 years old, ranked 50th in the world). A solid and very consistent player on the circuit for a few years. A challenging match to approach for the native of the Alpes-Maritimes region who is still seeking sensations. Bolstered by her experience in Alsace after having won the tournament in 2013, Alizé Cornet nonetheless had every chance.
But the hopes quickly dissipated. Struggling greatly in her service games, the Nice native could not hold her serve in her first three service games. From that point, it became difficult to hope for a positive result… However, there were some bright spots in the play. Capable of unsettling her opponent in long rallies, Alizé Cornet seems to have regained good physical condition and tennis capable of competing with top 100 players.
Yet, without effective serving, the mission becomes almost impossible. With only two games won on her serve, there was nothing to be done against a much more focused Marie Bouzkova in this area.
Alizé Cornet logically succumbed (6-2/6-1) after 1h30 of play. What remains to be seen is the rest of her schedule in the coming weeks.
