The Niçoise resisted but gave in against the No. 8 seed, who was more effective in important moments (6-4 6-4).
Diane Parry was defeated this Wednesday in the round of 16 of the Strasbourg Internationals against Liudmila Samsonova. The Niçoise played a solid match but was outdone in decisive moments, losing (4-6/4-6). The key to the match: effectiveness on break points. Diane Parry had seven chances but converted only two. On the other side, Liudmila Samsonova was formidable, converting four of her five opportunities. A difference that weighed heavily.
On serve, both players were close. The Niçoise won 40 points on her serve, Liudmila Samsonova 42. But the Russian handled the end of sets better, stringing together first serves when it mattered.
Diane Parry not far from the quarter-finals
Throughout the match, the Russian won 77 points compared to 67 for Diane Parry. The gap is small, but it reflects a constant superiority of the Russian, more precise in tight exchanges. Another indicator: service games. Diane Parry lost four, Liudmila Samsonova only two. This solidity allowed the No. 8 seed to maintain pressure without really trembling.
Despite the defeat, Diane Parry showed desire and commendable fighting spirit. Facing a higher-ranked and more experienced player, she held her own.
