Dominika Cibulkova edged out Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber 3-6 6-3 6-3 to make the second week of the US Open.
The first set saw the German dominate proceedings with her insane ability to turn defence into attack proving pivotal against Cibulkova. After the Slovakian tried to retaliate with a break of her own the Wimbledon champion reeled off some inspirational shots to regain dominance. The world number four sealed two consecutive breaks over a frustrated Slovakian to take the first set in 48 minutes.
The 29th seed had to overcome Kerber’s unique counterpunching abilities if she was to win this match and certainly made a step in the right direction in the second set. The recent Wimbledon quarter-finalist took an early double break with some insane hitting that overpowered Kerber. Despite the fourth seed getting one of the breaks back, the Slovakian continued to bring the intensity and another break at the end of the set levelled the match at one set all.
The match was producing high quality shot-making in the decider as there were huge momentum swings throughout the set. The Slovakian struck first after some fine forehands broke for a 3-1 lead as she looked focused in the match. After that, the German broke in a long as she used her brilliant defensive skills to break down a stubborn Cibulkova and roared like a woman possessed.
However Kerber’s momentum didn’t last long as another Cibulkova break sealed the Wimbledon champion’s fate and her time at the US Open. An emotional Slovakian held to 15 to seal a magnificent victory and book her place in the second week.
The hard hitting of Cibulkova was just too much for the counterpunching ability of Kerber as she bounced her way into the last 16. She will now face last year’s finalist Madison Keys after the American sealed a three set win over Serbian Aleksandra Krunic. The big serving American only dropped three games as she set up a meeting with Cibulkova.
However one player who failed to reach the second week was Cincinnati champion Kiki Bertens who was stunned by 19 year old Marketa Vondrousova 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6(1). The Czech Republican’s stunning win means she has reached the second week of a grand slam for the first time. She will now play Lesia Tsurenko who defeated Katerina Siniakova 6-4 6-0.
