The Barnstaple crowd were treated to a great day of tennis on the stadium court at Tarka Tennis Centre on Wednesday. The opening match of the day saw Mancunian Naomi Broady produce some stunning backhands in her impressive 62 46 62 defeat of the higher ranked Czech player Renata Voracova. Whilst 2012 champion Annika Beck received a warm welcome from the Barnstaple crowd, and despite a comeback from her opponent in the second set, safely progressed to round 2, with a 61 64 defeat of Italian Giulia Gatto-Monticone. Next up was 2010 champion, and number 2 seed Alison Riske. Her opponent, Slovakian player Karin Morgosova, opened up with some impressive winner’s, and at 1-2 Riske found herself facing two break points at 15-40. However, the American who reached the last 16 of the US Open last month, promptly served two aces to save the break points, and after a lengthy game held serve for 2-2, to then totally dominate proceedings by winning the next ten games to record a 62 60 victory. On the same court an all British match saw British number 2 and 4th seed in Barnstaple Jo Konta defeat Emily Webley-Smith 62 61, and after a short break, (allowing spectators a chance to stretch their legs), it was the turn of Heather Watson to entertain the capacity crowd. A potentially tricky first round match against an opponent only ranked 26 places lower, saw Watson dominate throughout. Whilst Kristina Kucova impressively hit double handed on both sides, Watson often cleverly used the drop shot to either win the point outright or set up an opening to win the point from. The 21 year old from Guernsey, received a huge ovation at the end of her 62 61 victory. Thursday’s schedule is equally impressive with Tara Moore playing Jo Konta, Naomi Broady playing Stephanie Vogt, Heather playing Ana Vrljic, followed by top seed Annika Beck all in action on the stadium court. Whilst Jo and Heather return at the end of the day for their 2nd round doubles. With an additional stand brought in overnight, play again starts at 11.00am. Ticket information on tarkatennis.net
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 22:15:07 +0000