Kristina Mladenovic won a scrappy match with Garbine Muguruza, 6-1 3-6 6-3 to knock out the defending champion and book her place into the quarterfinals.
A wild Muguruza forehand cross-court gives Mladenovic an early break. Spaniard was tight and nervous, which allowed errors to creep into her game as Mladenovic consolidated for a 2-0 lead. It only got from bad to worse from Muguruza as she looked tight at the net and was missing easy shots wildly. This resulted in another break of serve for Mladenovic and a 4-1 lead for the home favourite. The world number 13 forced the errors from Muguruza as the Spaniard succumbed to Mladenovic. This resulted in a 6-1 set for the home favourite.
However the second set was a much better for Muguruza as she silenced the chaotic Lenglen crowd to break and take a 1-0 lead. Despite facing several break points the Spaniard held to consolidate her break, and grab a 2-0 lead. Mladenovic, who seemed to be in control and was now missing first serves and starting to hit double faults. This caused Garbine to increase the pressure. As a result Muguruza stormed into a 4-1 lead and showed the kind of form that got her into the second week. Despite Mlaadenovic resilience, Muguruza remained gritty and determined to break Mladenovic again to take the second set 6-3. Lenglen crowd looked on anger and nervousness.
The third set saw an electric start from Mladenovic to break to love for an early 1-0 lead. She then managed to hold after hitting three double faults in the game. However the defending champion would not go down without a fight and gained some control over key rallies. As a result she remained calm and kept holding her serve to stay within touching distance of Mladenovic. Despite the double faults from ‘Kiki’, it was her day as a backhand into the net from Muguruza allowed a break in the ninth game and the match for Mladenovic, who sealed the biggest win of her career. Suzanne Lenglen erupts as a frustrated defending champion erupts with delight.
Mladenovic Delighted
Here is what Mladenovic had to say after her historic win,
“You’re making me cry,” Mladenovic tells the crowd. “I need to speak, I’ll try. As you say, it’s a 4th round match against the defending champ. It’s a match that was eagerly awaited by everyone, myself included. I’ve always played in front a full Suzanne-Lenglen Court but right now it’s packed to the rafters. I wanted to say – I know I always say the same thing – but I love playing in front of you. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes. I made about 35 double faults. You give me the courage and strength to keep going in every point. It’s thanks to you that I’m through and we’re in the quarters, yeah!”
Kristina Mladenovic entered her first Roland Garros quarterfinal and will now play Venus Williams or Timea Bacsinszky.
