France’s Alize Cornet has stormed into the second week of the French Open after brushing aside a lacklustre Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-1, in the third round.
Cornet’s aggressiveness was pivotal against the world No.10, who failed to hold a single service game throughout the entire match. A total of 31 winners aided her to the fourth round at Roland Garros for only the second time in her career. Meanwhile, Radwanska will be going back to the drawing board after producing a winner-error ratio of 10-19.
The opening set saw Cornet battle with herself as well as Radwanska. The home favourite was the more proactive and dominant player from the onset, but her emotions occasionally got the batter of her. This was illustrated best in the sixth game when she received a warning for coaching from the umpire.
An emphatic display featuring a series of delicate drop-shots allowed Cornet to break immediately for 2-0 before nerves enabled ninth seeded Radwanska to break back. The trend occurred throughout the first set with four consecutive breaks of serve. Cornet finally broke the run in the seventh game by holding to extend her dominance to 5-2. In comparison, Radwanska appeared flat on the court and unable to dictate the rallies. There were occasional glimpses of her brilliance, but they were not consistent enough. Eventually, it was back-to-back unforced errors from the Polish player that rewarded the 6-2 lead to her rival.
Historically Cornet’s record against Radwanska had been one of disappointment. In their eight previous meetings, her only triumph occurred at the 2014 Katowice Open. Nevertheless, records were irrelevant in this match. Radwanska’s inability to hold her serve was fatal to her chances of winning. Cornet had all the answers for the ninth seed as she battled to a set and 4-1 lead, with the help of her error-stricken opponent. Closing in on one of the most significant wins of her career at her home grand slam, a masterful drop shot secured Cornet a double break and a chance to serve for the match. The task proved to be a walk in the park for the world No.42, who converted her second match point with a winning backhand down the line.
“I don’t have any words. I am so happy. I work so hard year-round for moments like this. It’s been very difficult with my injury, so it makes it even sweeter to be here and through to the fourth round.” Cornet said after the match.
Since 2014, Cornet has defeated at least one top-10 player ever season. Given this record, some might not be so surprised with her win over a struggling Radwanska. Still, the Frenchwoman herself remains in a state of disbelief about how one-sided the match was.
Les alizés de Roland-Garros lui sourient ! Quelle belle victoire @alizecornet 🇫🇷 ! #RG17 pic.twitter.com/tl4ra03lEJ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) 3 June 2017
Making her 13th consecutive appearance at Roland Garros, Cornet is now a win away from reaching her first grand slam quarter-final at the age of 27. Awaiting her in the fourth round will either be compatriot Caroline Garcia or Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei.
