Fiona Ferro’s Breton week concluded this Friday late morning. Against her compatriot, Léolia Jeanjean, the Valbonnaise alternated between good and less good performances.
A week after her round of 16 in Rouen, it was in the quarter-finals that Fiona Ferro had an appointment this Friday at the Open de Saint-Malo. After a rather chaotic journey, notably in the first round against the German Noma Noha Akugue, she recovered well two days later against Emeline Dartron.
Qualified for a quarter-final for the first time since March at a challenger in Finland, this result is already positive. Faced with the French player Léolia Jeanjean (29 years old, 107th in the world), Fiona Ferro had her work cut out for her. Indeed, her opponent has been achieving good results on this surface on the secondary circuit. However, her ranking has not often given her the chance to compete against top players.
A good start then a dry spell
While the beginning of the match was well managed by Fiona Ferro, the game shifted after 25 minutes. Leading 4-1, Fiona Ferro found herself struggling on her second serve. Under pressure, the Maralpine gradually lost her footing and allowed Léolia Jeanjean back into the match. On a heavier clay than in recent days, the players seemed to have difficulty finding their bearings. While Fiona Ferro managed, not without struggle, to obtain two set points, she squandered the opportunities and found herself in significant trouble. She lost her last four service games and eventually lost the first set (7-5) somewhat to everyone’s surprise.
Clearly uncomfortable on the court, Fiona Ferro was making many errors at crucial moments. In contrast, Léolia Jeanjean freed herself to make a difference. Frustrated, the Azuréenne conceded two breaks and quickly found herself trailing 0-5. There didn’t seem to be a way to turn the situation in her favor. Yet, Léolia Jeanjean eventually tensed up, and Fiona Ferro regained confidence after saving seven match points during her service game. Disturbed, her opponent seemed unsure of how to go beyond the Maralpine who, on the other hand, seemed to have regained her confidence. Unfortunately, this resurgence came too late and Léolia Jeanjean eventually won (7-5/6-3).
It’s unfortunate for Fiona Ferro, who seems to be on the right path to regaining her best level. As for Léolia Jeanjean, she will face the conqueror of Diane Parry yesterday, Naomi Osaka.
