For her first round at the Open de Rouen, Fiona Ferro was up against the Bulgarian Viktoriya Tomova. An opponent well-known to another player from the French Riviera…
We last saw Fiona Ferro after her first round at the US Open. In the meantime, the French player competed at Le Neubourg (losing in the semi-finals) and then at Caldas da Rainha (losing in the second round). These were two small tournaments to get some playing time and gain a few ranking points in the WTA standings, where she is currently ranked 175th this week.
In Rouen, the French player faced Viktoriya Tomova (world No. 95, 28 years old). A player who had defeated Alizé Cornet earlier this year in Chicago. Ferro and Tomova already knew each other since they played against each other last year. The Bulgarian had won decisively in two sets.
To avoid a repeat, the adopted Maralpine takes the bull by the horns right from the start. She earns three break points in the first game and converts on the fourth. More incisive and creative than her opponent, Fiona Ferro dominates on the court against an opponent poorly inspired on her service games, particularly on her first serve (6-2).
A light rough patch
In the second set, the trend reverses. Ferro slightly relaxes on her first serve. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian makes slightly fewer unforced errors, probably spurred by the result of the first set. But it’s Fiona Ferro who falters, unable to hold her service game even once. The second set logically goes to Viktoriya Tomova (6-2).
The final set starts with more focus. Both players exchange point for point, offering a great show to the spectators present. Midway through the set, the tension is palpable. More nervous on serve, Ferro and Tomova fall back into their mistakes. Ultimately, it’s the player from the French Riviera who overcomes her opponent, breaking two of the three break points she faced.
Fiona Ferro wins (6-2/2-6/6-3) in just under two hours. Tomorrow, she will face the Spanish player Aliona Bolsova Zadoinov.
