For her return to competition since her wrist surgery in July, Fiona Ferro chose the WTA 125 in Angers. The Valbonne native reassured herself by winning in three sets.
It had been more than five months since we last saw Fiona Ferro on the circuit after a defeat in Blois against Sarah Iliev. Undergoing wrist surgery in early July, the player from the Maralpine region had a long period of convalescence and benefited from her protected ranking to avoid falling off the global rankings. It is from the 422nd place worldwide that the Valbonne native will attempt to return to top form. At 28, her career has experienced several setbacks, but her motivation to re-enter the top 100 seems intact. After several weeks of training, including some with her friend Alizé Cornet to regain her form, it was time for her return to the WTA circuit courts.
Invited by the WTA 125 Angers tournament, Fiona Ferro faced the qualifier Tina Smith (23 years old, ranked 316th globally). A match that seemed largely within her reach in theory, but after such a long break, it was hard to know if her legs would follow suit. Evidently, the long hours of training eventually paid off.
The start was nevertheless a bit complicated. A bit of hesitation and a too-low percentage on her second serve provided many break opportunities for the Australian who took the lead. Despite a strong desire to do well, Fiona Ferro conceded the break at the start and could not come back in the first set. The Azur coast player created many break opportunities but failed to convert them. She eventually lost the first set on her service game (6-3).
Fiona Ferro makes a comeback
Without forcing it, her game gradually came together and started to unsettle Tina Smith, who eventually conceded a break in the early stages of the second set. This was reassuring for Fiona Ferro, who managed to dictate the exchanges. More focused on her serve, the Frenchwoman played accurately and controlled her match. She pulled away with a double break before facing a bit more resistance towards the end of the second set. After saving a set point, the Australian had to give in (6-4).
Revitalized, Fiona Ferro started strong in the third and final act. She gave nothing away to her opponent, pushing her to make mistakes. Overwhelmed by the situation, Tina Smith literally collapsed, giving the victory to Fiona Ferro (3-6/6-4/6-0) in just over two hours of play. This was a clear demonstration that her physical condition and tennis skills remain intact.
Fiona Ferro will have to wait a bit to know her next opponent in the second round, as it will be either the German Tamara Korpatsch or the lucky loser Anna Siskova. Thus, the Valbonne native is expected back on Thursday.
