Maja Chwalińska is set to face a difficult challenge against Elise Mertens. The Polish player is looking to follow up her surprise debut victory in Paris, where she eliminated Qinwen Zheng.
Chwalińska’s Strong Start
Chwalińska demonstrated her skill with a counter at the net, securing a break-point. Mertens’ counter went wide. Chwalińska’s class was on display again, with Mertens missing a backhand.
Chwalińska opened the second set strongly, taking advantage of Mertens’ errors. Mertens struggled with her serve, and Chwalińska capitalised, moving closer to success. A volley from Mertens went into the net, handing Chwalińska two break-points. Chwalińska pressured Mertens into an error.
Chwalińska’s serve caused Mertens problems, giving her three set points. Mertens continued to make errors, while Chwalińska attacked the net and accelerated a backhand into the corner. However, Mertens managed to recover a break.
Mertens Fights Back
Mertens’ return hit Chwalińska, and Mertens’ shot missed the corner. Chwalińska’s attempted counter hit the net. Mertens made a mistake in a quick exchange. Mertens won a point with a volley.
Mertens’ attack was stopped by the net, giving Chwalińska the lead. Chwalińska forced an error from her opponent. Chwalińska played a great passing shot after a long rally.
Momentum Shifts
Mertens’ forehand went wide while defending. Chwalińska failed to control a shot while running. Mertens’ shot was stopped by the net. Chwalińska attacked quickly. Mertens’ cross-court shot went long.
Chwalińska couldn’t maintain the pace. Mertens’ backhand was rushed. Mertens scored with a strong serve. Mertens’ return was too long, allowing Mertens to recover a break.
Chwalińska continued to fight. Mertens took the initiative and closed the net, creating a break-point. An attempted acceleration from the server failed.