Goerges shines through Auckland rain, outlasts Puig
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - No.2 seed Julia Goerges thundered into the second round of the ASB Classic, outlasting 2016 Olympic Gold medalist Monica Puig, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Goerges ended 2017 on a nine-match winning streak, winning two titles at the Kremlin Cup and the Hengqin Life WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, but faced more than a few uncertainties in extending that run, taking on a player she'd never beaten in four previous meetings not before 11PM after extensive rain delays in Auckland.
"I’ve never beaten Monica before, and I’m just very happy to be in the second round," Goerges explained after the match. "I got through some really tough moments today, and I’m happy with how I fought and stayed in the match at the end."
The German veteran captured the opening set, but Puig showed off her famous fighting abilities to level the match, breaking serve in a titanic tenth game to force a decider.
Exchanging breaks early in the third, Goerges saved a break point to hold for 4-2 and never looked back, serving out the victory after two hours and 12 minutes on court.
"I knew if I won, I’d have a day off tomorrow, which is always nice, especially when it’s the first match of the year. So a late finish doesn’t bother me. This was actually better for my jet lag, because I’d been going to bed at 9:30 every night!"
Goerges has long enjoyed success in Auckland - finishing runner-up in 2016 and reaching the semifinals last year - which undoubtedly helped her retain a strong fan presence well into the night.
"I’m enjoying my time here, and appreciate how many people stuck around so late to watch. It’s 1:30, and I appreciated the support I got."
Up next for the No.2 seed is either qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova or local wildcard Jade Lewis.
Source
Goerges ended 2017 on a nine-match winning streak, winning two titles at the Kremlin Cup and the Hengqin Life WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, but faced more than a few uncertainties in extending that run, taking on a player she'd never beaten in four previous meetings not before 11PM after extensive rain delays in Auckland.
 |
Hengqin
Life WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai champion Julia Goerges survived an lengthy
rain delay and in-form former Olympic champion Monica Puig to advance
in three sets at the ASB Classic; Kirsten Flipkens also made it through
the rain in Auckland.
|
The German veteran captured the opening set, but Puig showed off her famous fighting abilities to level the match, breaking serve in a titanic tenth game to force a decider.
Exchanging breaks early in the third, Goerges saved a break point to hold for 4-2 and never looked back, serving out the victory after two hours and 12 minutes on court.
"I knew if I won, I’d have a day off tomorrow, which is always nice, especially when it’s the first match of the year. So a late finish doesn’t bother me. This was actually better for my jet lag, because I’d been going to bed at 9:30 every night!"
Goerges has long enjoyed success in Auckland - finishing runner-up in 2016 and reaching the semifinals last year - which undoubtedly helped her retain a strong fan presence well into the night.
"I’m enjoying my time here, and appreciate how many people stuck around so late to watch. It’s 1:30, and I appreciated the support I got."
Up next for the No.2 seed is either qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova or local wildcard Jade Lewis.
Source
Post a Comment