The underrated Russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, looks like a woman on mission, as she swept aside #12 seed Kiki Bertens in Wuhan. The 6-4 6-2 victory is the reward of an ultra-aggressive style of play that suffocated the in-form Bertens.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has Been Threatening a Result Like This for Some Time
In the previous round against the steady, top-spin utilising Sevastova, Pavlyuchenkova generated her own power on returns to frustrate the Latvian. Pavlyuchenkova has strung two straight wins together, for the first time since winning the Strasbourg title, in May. The Russian’s recent results have not done her justice. She took too long to settle in her US Open 1st round defeat to Rebecca Peterson.
Now that form momentum is building, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will be a tough opponent for anyone. She is an exciting player to watch also.
Pavlyuchenkova’s Aggression Unsettles Bertens
Fans of the resurgent Bertens will point to fatigue for the reason she lost. This is after storming to the title in Seoul in her last tournament. However, Bertens did not look tired, just out of ideas regarding how to control the aggression on the other side of the net. Pavlyuchenkova’s tendency to take the ball early, when deployed right- is a devastating weapon. It makes her great to watch also.
74% first serve points won to her opponent’s 59%, shows up the potency of the Russian’s 1st serve. When this is on song, Pavlyuchenkova is tough to beat.
Petra Kvitová up Next for Pavlyuchenkova
This next match for Pavlyuchenkova against #5 seed Kvitová is an aggressive tennis loving dream of a match-up. Kvitová leads the head-to-head 7-3. The pair have not met since 2015. This will be an interesting, potentially momentum swinging match. Kvitová has been looking a tad tired towards the end of the season, but she is a quality player. A great match is in the offing.
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