Cibulkova conquers Cornet in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, OH, USA - Former World No.4 Dominika Cibulkova won the last four games of her second round encounter with Alizé Cornet to emerge victorious, 6-1, 6-4, and reach the Round of 16 at the Western & Southern Open.

Cibulkova capped a career year in 2016 when she captured the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global - defeating Simona Halep and then-WTA World No.1 Angelique Kerber en route - but injuries have stunted her progress this season, winning back-to-back matches just once since the Miami Open heading into Cincinnati.

Reigning BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global champion Dominika Cibulkova recovered from a second set deficit to dispatch Alizé Cornet in two at the Western & Southern Open.

Avenging a tough Wimbledon loss to Ana Konjuh in the first round, the Slovak rolled through the opening set against Cornet, herself in search of her best form, before falling behind in the second.

Cornet had won her last two matches against Cibulkova - including a straight set win to start the season at the Brisbane International - and appeared poised to push a deciding set when she took a 4-2 lead, but wouldn't win another after holding a game point for 5-2.

In the end, Cibulkova proved too tough, winning 60% of return points to secure victory after 81 minutes on court.

Up next for the former Australian Open finalist is No.7 seed and British No.1 Johanna Konta, who shook off a surprise early loss at the Rogers Cup with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Kiki Bertens to kick off her week in Cincinnati following a first round bye.

Source: http://www.wtatennis.com/news/cibulkova-beats-cornet-western-southern-open-cincinnati