Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova lived up to her status of a dangerous drifter in the draw as she crushed a sluggish Angelique Kerber 6-2, 6-2, in the first round of the French Open.
As Friday’s draw took place in Paris, many pundits expressed unease uncertainty about Kerber’s chances against the former top-10 player. The German might be the world No.1, but her recent results has suggested otherwise with only two wins at her three most recent tournaments prior to Roland Garros.
Those results reflect in her match against Makarova. The Russian utilized the court to her advantage as she bossed the lacklustre world No.1 around the court. Kerber’s problem was the depth of her returning shots. Standing behind the baseline the short balls allowed Makarova to pick her hitting targets.
“It was really tough and, well, she is the world No.1 and a great player.” Makarova said about Kerber. “I knew that I had to win it, she isn’t going to miss it (her shots). I was also fighting with my own emotions, not to wait for a mistake, but I’m so happy I got through. It’s amazing.”
The start of the match saw Makarova establish her dominance immediately as she broke to grab the early lead. Kerber’s indecision and confidence with her shots allowed the Russian to hit ten winners and benefit from 12 unforced errors from her opponent throughout a one-way opening set.
Makarova’s surge on the court finally triggered a response from the top seed during the early stages of set No.2. Kerber took out her frustration with some nifty shot-making, showing the occasional glimmer of how she won two grand slam titles last year. Falling behind 0-3, a breathtaking passing shot retrieved one of the breaks of Kerber’s favour. Nevertheless, Makarova had already inflicted the damage. Every time Kerber threatened to stage a resurgence, the Russian had all the answers.
An error-stricken service game from the top seed gifted Makarova her sixth break of the match to move the underdog to a game away from the win. Closing the match out, Makarova overcame seven break point threats before sealing the win with the help of a winning forehand down the line.
Producing a total of 27 winners and 19 unforced errors, Makarova easily outclassed Kerber’s tally of 16 and 25. She is the first woman in the Open Era to knock the world No.1 out in the first round of the French Open. The triumph is also her first win over a world No.1 player.
“That’s unbelievable.” She said. “Actually for the first time in my nine years at Roland Garros I have played a singles match on Court Philippe Chatrier. So this is a double unbelievable thing.”
“I am so happy to be here and thank you to the crowd. It Was amazing to play out here.”
Makarova will next play either Kateryna Kozlova or Lesia Tsurenko.
