Two-time grand slam champion Garbine Muguruza has eased her way into the second round of the Toray Pan Pacific Open after defeating Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-4.
The Spanish sixth seed was able to dictate the match with the help of some powerful shot-making, but at times had issues with the consistency in her game. Illustrated by her 19 winners to 24 unforced errors. Despite that, the former world No.1 benefited from some tentative serving from Bencic.
“It was a very, very difficult first round. I’m excited that I am in the second round.” Muguruza said during her on-court interview.
“Bencic is a very good player, she has had some incredible wins. But today I got it (the win). It’s good.”
At the start of the match, Muguruza capitalized on her opponent lacklustre serve by breaking three consecutive times during the opening set. Bencic, who is a former top 10 player, managed to win just 44% of her service points. Enabling the Spanish number one to race to a 6-2 lead with little difficulty.
Firmly in control of proceedings, Muguruza continued to play aggressively. Five games into set number two, she broke once again with the help of a backhand passing shot. However, Bencic managed to fight back immediately to draw level after taking advantage of a poor service game from the sixth seed. Nevertheless, the blip would not be enough to prevent Muguruza from clinching victory as she went on to break once again for a chance to serve the match out at 5-4. Closing in on the win, she prevailed on her second match point opportunity after a Bencic forehand drifted out.
Muguruza’s reward is a showdown against either Eugenie Bouchard or Alison Riske in the second round. The Spaniard has reached the quarter-final or better in Tokyo every year since 2014, but is yet to win the title. A trend she hopes to break this year.
“I like to play here (in Tokyo). In the past, I’ve always done well. So this year I’m positive that I can go far.” Muguruza explained.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Daria Gavrilova came through a marathon clash against Kristyna Pliskova to win 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(8) after almost three hours of play. The Australian was trailing 1-4 in the final set and then had to save a match point during the tiebreaker before sealing victory. It was a far from perfect display from Gavrilova. During the match she hit 27 winners alongside 49 unforced errors and 12 double faults.
“I’m just really happy that I ended up winning and I feel pretty relieved and pretty tired, but I always play long matches so it’s kind of a routine for me,” Gavrilova commented about her win.
Awaiting the 24-year-old next will be Pliskova’s sister Karolina. The fourth seed has been granted a first round bye. Gavrilova is yet to defeat Karolina on the tour, losing all of their three previous encounters in straight sets.
Anett Kontaveit was another early winner after edging past Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 7-6(5).
