Garbine Muguruza’s roller-coaster journey at the Brisbane International has hit a high after she defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5, 6-4, in the quarter-finals.
The French Open champion had already endured a tough route into her Thursday meeting against the Russian fifth seed. Her first two matches in Brisbane saw Muguruza spend a total of five fours and 48 minutes on the court as she battled past Sam Stosur and Daria Kasatkina in three sets.
It was inevitable that another gruelling test would occur against former US Open champion Kuznetsova. This time it was just a fraction under two hours as the Spaniard managed to break the world No.9 four times in the match (twice in each set). During the match Muguruza was able to benefit from some lackluster serving from her rival, who could only get 44% of her first serves in and produced five double faults.
“It was tough, all the matches I play against Svetlana is very difficult. She’s a (former) grand slam champion and an amazing player.” Muguruza said during her on court interview.
Enduring such a tough route into the last four at the tournament, questions are starting to be ask if Muguruza will be fresh enough to extend her winning ways. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old is remaining upbeat and believes has recent challenges on the court will make her stronger as a player.
“No, I’m not worried. I think it’s good the matches I’m playing here, especially at this level. It’s going to help me for the year in general,” Muguruza said.
“But it was very tough. I’m not really thinking about the Grand Slam. I’m thinking about here. I’m winning these tough matches. I think I’ve had a tough draw.”
Next for Muguruza will be a meeting with Alize Cornet, a player who has also endured some testing matches this week. Cornet’s latest win saw her stun second seed and last year’s WTA Finals champion Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 7-5, in just over two hours. Cibulkova is the second seed to fall to the Frenchwoman after seventh seed Elena Vesnina in the first round. Cornet is hoping to use those two wins as inspiration for a more consistent year on the tour
“I always had a lack of consistency during my career and maybe the fact that I’m 26, I’m a little bit older now, I have more experience and I feel like maybe I’m touching something during this week of Brisbane,” Cornet said.
Former world No.11 Cornet will now play in her first WTA semifinal since her run to the Hobart title 12 months ago.
The other half of the draw saw third seed Karolina Pliskova recovered from a one-set deficit to defeat Roberta Vinci 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. She will play either world No. 1 Angelique Kerber or Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the next round.
