La Valbonnaise won in three sets against the Chinese player Sijia Wei in the first round of the Clarins Trophy qualifiers.
Fiona Ferro did not miss her reunion with the Parisian clay courts. On Monday, May 12, in the first round of the Clarins Trophy qualifiers, the Azurรฉenne secured a win in three hard-fought sets (4-6, 6-1, 6-3) against the Chinese player Sijia Wei (21 years old, ranked 129th worldwide), in a match where she showcased her experience and mental toughness.
The match had started poorly. After a convincing start and an initial break, Fiona Ferro slackened. Three unforced errors in the fourth game reignited Sijia Wei, who went on to win four consecutive games to take the first set. However, the French player did not panic. She returned with a more decisive approach at the start of the second set.
More aggressive, Fiona Ferro turns the match around
The dynamic completely reversed. More aggressive and better anchored in the court, Fiona Ferro dictated the exchange, imposing her rhythm from the return. The Chinese player, the number one seed in the qualifiers, faltered behind her second serve, winning only 33% of points when she missed her first. Ferro capitalized on this, attacking the second serves to take the advantage, converting six out of 17 break opportunities.
In the final act, Sijia Wei tried to hold on, but the Maralpine player, strong behind her first serve (winning 58% of points), maintained her service in critical moments. She won a total of 102 points throughout the match, compared to 88 for her opponent.
Currently ranked 326th in the WTA ranking, Fiona Ferro is looking to regain her form. After a challenging period, she is back with clear intentions and the desire to reclaim her place on the circuit. And what better way to kickstart her comeback than at a Parisian tournament? She will face Russian player Anastasia Zakharova in the first round tomorrow in the early afternoon.
