Mihaela Buzarnescu is enjoying the return to her home city and to the red clay.
Buzarnescu going Great Guns at BRD Bucharest Open
Sturdy, almost grinding victories over Kovinic and Zidanesk have earned her a singles quarterfinal spot. She has already reached the doubles semifinal with countrywoman Raluca Olaru. Two titles in one week wouldn’t be undeserved from the veteran Romanian, who is having a great season.
Yafan Wang stands Between Buzarnescu and the Semis
World #84, China’s Yafan Wang, stands between Buzarnescu and a last four spot. Wang benefitted from the withdrawal mid-match of Pauline Parmentier in the 2nd round. There is no head-to-head between Wang and Buzarnescu. However, the home crowd will be getting excited about the prospect of a first WTA title for Buzarnescu.
Wang’s aggressive style could unsettle Buzarnescu early, just like Sabalenka’s did initially, at Wimbledon. However, Mihaela Buzarnescu is versatile on clay and can switch from defnece to offensive quickly.
Buzarnescu and the Transition from Clay to Grass and Back Again
It’s a strange time on the WTA Tour. Having made the transition from clay to grass, players in Bucharest are being asked to make the transition back. In and open and frank interview with the WTA, Buzarnescu gave an insight into how difficult this was:
“Almost five weeks on grass makes a big difference when you come back on the clay because it’s a totally different bouncing and sliding.”
It is a testament to the Romanian’s versatility that she has made this transition. She should be re-accustomed to the surface in her third match against Wang.
Dangerous Petra Martic a Potential Semifinal Opponent
Mihaela Buzarnescu is clearly taking it one match at a time. However, her fans will be looking ahead, plotting her route to victory. The dangerous Croat, Petra Martic is a potential last four opponent. The head-to-head stands at 1-1. Both meetings have been on grass.
Buzarnescu beat Martic in Birmingham this season, en route to the semis there. Given the nature of the WTA results lately, nothing can be taken for granted. It would be a great match, though. Winning against a player like Martic- would give Buzarnescu a great deal of confidence. This could offset the self-doubts that sometimes appear in the Romanian’s persona. This tournament remains Buzarnescu’s best shot at her first title.
