Kolkata: Former world number one Martina Hingis overcame a dogged display from Tzipora Obziler of Israel 6-2 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals of the Kolkata Open on Wednesday.
The Swiss top seed appeared set for an easy win after going a break up to lead 4-3 in the second set, but her opponent, ranked a lowly 131, produced a series of blistering shots to either flanks to hustle the five-times grand slam winner.
Obziler broke back to make it 4-4, the world number nine netting a backhand return and sending wide a backhand volley with an open court before her.
Hingis failed to convert four breakpoints in the ninth game, but finally displayed her class with a break of serve to lead 5-6 before unleashing three winners in a row to wrap up the match.
"There were ups and downs but I finally broke her and managed to keep it in straight sets," Hingis said. "The intensity was there. She was also picking her game. She does not let go any easy point."
Hingis retired in 2002 with foot and ankle injuries but made a successful full-time comeback this year. The Swiss next faces Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn, who beat American Abigail Spears 2-6 6-3 6-2.
Fourth seed Aravane Rezai of France defeated Belarussian Tatiana Poutchek 6-1 6-2. She will face the winner of the second round clash between home favourite Sania Mirza, the fifth seed, and unseeded German Sandra Kloesel.
Comments
0 comment