Last night, Fiona Ferro and Alizé Cornet participated in the first round of the US Open. Without success…
For this last Grand Slam of the season, Fiona Ferro opened the proceedings. Directly qualified for the main draw thanks to a wildcard, the Azuréenne faced former world number one Victoria Azarenka. The experienced Belarusian (34 years old, ranked 18th in the world) has had a fairly complicated season since her semi-final at the Australian Open. On the other side, Fiona Ferro (26 years old, ranked 190th in the world) is trying to achieve a ranking closer to her level by playing in challengers. With four finals for two titles in 2023, the Valbonnaise is having a good season. In fact, she recently reached a final in Barranquilla last week.
Despite good results, it was indeed the Belarusian who was the favorite in this match. At the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Victoria Azarenka set her pace right from the start. Stronger in all aspects of the game, she quickly gained the upper hand. Outmatched in all departments, Fiona Ferro tried to unsettle her opponent by making her play, but she suffered a severe (6-1) in the first set. This was due to a low percentage of points won behind her first serve.
A weakness that has been noted for several weeks and which led to the downfall of the French player in the second set (6-2). A heavy score that does not truly reflect the intensity of the battle fought.
Alizé Cornet fought hard
Against the young Elina Avanesyan (20 years old, ranked 66th in the world), Alizé Cornet came very close. But the experience of the player from Maralpines (33 years old, ranked 79th in the world) was not enough to overcome her Russian opponent. At the Billie Jean King, the start of the match was very tight. Tension took over with the stakes involved. Surprisingly, it was the less experienced player who eventually gained the upper hand. More precise with her forehand, Elina Avanesyan committed fewer unforced errors. She took the first set (6-2).
Determined, Alizé Cornet accelerated at the beginning of the second set. The Niçoise implemented her game plan and engaged her opponent in longer rallies. More precise on her serve, Alizé Cornet made a difference behind her first serve. The young Russian failed to break the French player and lost the set (6-1).
The third set was more contested. Both players relied on their strengths to make the other crack. Unfortunately, not opportunistic enough on the second-serve return, Alizé Cornet eventually gave in. Skillfully brought to the net by Elina Avanesyan, the Russian created some great passing opportunities to secure victory in 2h35 (6-2 / 1-6 / 6-4).
There are no more Azuréennes left in the US Open singles draw.
