Great hold from 0-30

3-2

I actually can't stand to watch Jo play like this - what's wrong with her? Absolutely no intensity at all

Argh Jo. That first break point save from Sorana was extremely fortunate, big serve on the second but she had a play on the third.

Heading out here.

*3-5

Awful. I assume Jo wasn't feeling well. No energy at all. I was actually routing for Cirstea in the end.

Very disappointing after that first set but credit to Sorana, she played very well and I was surprised she sustained it for two sets to be honest.

We soldier on I guess.

Her serve gave me concerns something wasn't right as it was so slow. But that's the neatest I've seen from Sorana in a long time.

To be honest I didn't think Jo would get out of her 8th with Sabalenka/Azarenka waiting, but did expect more than round 2. Maybe it would have been better for Heather to have won after all!

I've no idea what to expect from her on the clay.

Jo won more points overall. Looking back, the 4 break points at 4-4* and 5-5* were well saved, Cirstea played an excellent breaker. Too good.

In the third Jo was hanging in by the skin of her teeth at *3-3, saved 5 break points before she got a game point where Cirstea hit a return winner. I thought we might be in for a collapse at 40-0* in the next game but that first break point save was a shot from Cirstea that barely touched the line off a deep powerful second shot from Jo down the line, then she threw down a bomb.

It really was only the final break point at 3-4* that Jo let slip away when she pushed a backhand long.

Fine marguins. Could have came out of that, but when Cirstea raised her level she couldn't up the pressure and that should be a source of frustration for her.

 

 

-- Edited by PaulM on Thursday 3rd of September 2020 08:15:22 PM