France’s Kristina Mladenovic is set to enter the world’s top 20 for the first time in her career after defeating Caroline Wozniacki 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open.
Requiring over two-and-a-half hours to move into the last four of a premier tournament for the first time in her career, the 23-year-old endured a bumpy start to the match as she struggled to generate rhythm against her higher ranked opponent.
Embarking upon the match with a 3-0 head-to-head record against her French rival, Wozniacki’s experience handed her the edge throughout the opening set. Mladenovic had ten chances to break the Wozniacki serve, but failed to capitalize on nine of those due to some questionable shot-making. In contrast, Wozniacki was the more complete player on the court, waiting to pounce in the rallies and rarely trouble by the significance of the occasion.
Surging to a 5-1 lead against her error-stricken opponent, who produced a series of costly errors on the crucial points, the Dane encountered her first blip. A lengthy exchange concluded with Mladenovic returning the ball just inside the court, rewarding her the break she had been hoping for. Unfortunately for the world No.26 it was a case of too little, too late. A clean backhand winner from Wozniacki elevated her to set point, which she converted thanks to her rivals 15th unforced error.
“It was very frustrating with the beginning of my match. I did a lot of unforced errors and you cannot do that against a top player like Caroline.” Mladanovic said of her start to the match.
“ I felt like I had to adjust on this huge court. I just tried to be positive and fight as usual.”
A trade of breaks triggered a game of cat and mouse in the second set with both players producing their best and worst tennis. Mladenovic’s aggressive shots that eluded her during the first part of the match, returned with a vengeance as a heavy cross court forehand shot granted her a break for 4-2. Still, Wozniacki refused to back down and hit back immediately to place proceedings back on serve. The roller coaster encounter featured six breaks of serves within ten games.
Mladenovic’s determination finally brought her joy in the second set tiebreak. A forehand winner down the line secured her the break for 4-2, reviving her match hopes. This time she didn’t stumble on the opportunity after a serve out wide resulted in a Wozniacki error, granting her a trio of set points. Mladenovic converted on her second after an ambitious shot from the former world No.1 landed in the tramlines, sparking the start of the comeback.
.@KikiMladenovic takes the second set 7-6(4)!
Into a decider… #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/CvqbhLmD6i
— WTA (@WTA) 16 March 2017
Engaged in a two-hour battle under the unforgiving sun, a medical timeout halted Mladenovic’s momentum during the decider. Wozniacki received attention on her right ankle, which was heavily re-strapped by the on-court doctor. Last year she missed the entire clay court season after rolling the same ankle during a practice session.
The good news for Wozniacki fans was that she returned to action moving freely around the court. The bad news was a tentative service game from the Dane was blasted by Mladenovic as she gabbed the crucial break for 3-2 in the decider. This time there would be no response from a growingly frustrated Wozniacki. Securing the double break with another blister forehand shot, Mladanovic’s milestone win was sealed when a serve down the court was return out by Wozniacki.
Awaiting Mladenovic in the next round will be either Venus Williams or Elena Vesnina. Earlier this year she defeated Williams in straight sets at the St. Petersburg Open on route to her maiden WTA title. On the other hand, she has lost to Vesnina on two previous occasions.
“I’m just very excited. No matter who I play I’m sure its going to be a tough one.” She said about her semifinal match. “Hopefully an exciting one with great tennis.”
“I’m very happy (with my win) and hopefully I can continue.” She added.
Wins for @KikiMladenovic this season:
d. Venus (St. Petersburg)
d. Pliskova (Dubai)
d. Halep (IW)
d. Wozniacki (IW)— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) 16 March 2017
