Angelique Kerber (zximbio.com)_
MADRID: Angelique Kerber’s dream of lifting the Madrid Open title has ended in disappointment after she retired a game away from losing to Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard.
The world No.1 struggled throughout the match against and alert and eager Bouchard. Posting a winning serve rate of only 28%, Kerber was on the verge of tears during what was a match she wishes to forget. A fitter and determined Bouchard charged to a 6-3, 5-0, lead before the German decided to call it a day.
“I don’t know what exactly. I know it’s the left hamstring. I just felt it in the last game. I think it was not the last point, but the point before.” A weary Kerber said about her withdrawal.
As uncertainty mounts over Kerber’s physicality, he presence at next week’s Rome Open has been placed in doubt. Even prior to her withdrawal, the German appeared sluggish on the court with a dismal service motion.
“I think the match was really difficult because it was really windy. I couldn’t find my game.” The world No.1 admitted. “I mean, it was a completely different match than I have played the matches before.”
Kuznetsova awaits
Benefiting for Kerber’s misfortunes, Bouchard will play Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova. The eighth seed required 90 minutes to dismiss China’s Qiang Wang 6-4, 7-5. The Russian progressed to the last eight playing without playing a seeded player.
“She’s playing well, in general right now.” Bouchard said about the Russian. “Also, I think she ended the year really, really well. It’s going to be a good battle. I’ve practiced with her before, played against her. I’ve always enjoyed it because she gets a lot of balls back, but she also goes for it.
“I just want to have fun. I just want to enjoy it and just go for it, as usual.”
Bouchard has lost to the Russian twice before, but hasn’t played her since 2014.
Halep chases title No.2
Defending champion Simona Halep continued her love affair at the Caja Magica with a hard fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, win over Sam Stosur. The testing match saw the Romanian drop serve only twice on route to the win.
“ I just feel great here at this tournament. Even if I had two very tough matches, I feel good. I feel confident here on these courts.” said Halep.
Aiming to win back-to-back titles at the Caja Magica, Halep will face Coco Vandeweghe in the third round. It will be the first meeting between the two players, but Halep is taking nothing for granted.
“I know is going to be very tough. I watched a little bit of her match today. I have just to do what I have to do against her. I will talk tomorrow about the match.” She said.
Joining Halep in the last eight will be France’s Kristina Mladenovic. The French player crushed her compatriot Oceane Dodin 6-2, 6-1, to book a showdown against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.