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Giorgi beats Svitolina in Birmingham


 

Originally published on 22/06/17 00:00

Giorgi won seven of the last eight games and she was understandably thrilled with her display. “Today was a great match,” remarked the 25-year-old. “I played really well and it was a very good level. It’s always really important to play as many matches as possible.”

Svitolina was the highest seed left in the draw but she departs the West Midlands as an injury-doubt for Wimbledon due to a foot issue. She said: “I’m disappointed I’m out of the tournament, but not disappointed about my performance because I couldn’t really show even 50 percent of what I can do. I was late all the time with my feet, so that’s why I didn’t give myself any opportunity to manage the points.

“I think I will have one week preparation for Wimbledon but I don’t want to endanger the end of the season – so that’s why it’s very tough to think about Wimbledon.”

Garbine Muguruza is also through to the quarter-finals in Birmingham after a comprehensive 6-1 6-4 victory over Alison Riske.

It was a fine display of attacking tennis from the Spaniard and she was encouraged by her perfomance. “I felt comfortable out there,” remarked the 2016 French Open champion. “I think both of us were enjoying each other’s ball, and that’s why we were playing good points and serving well.

“I was hitting the ball pretty good. I think she also played pretty good, so it was kind of an equal match. There were a lot of rallies which is not maybe usual on this surface but it was a good level of tennis.”

Johanna Konta’s pre-Wimbledon preparations took a hit as she was beaten by the excellent grass-courter, Coco Vandeweghe, in straight sets.The Brit will now turn her attention to the Aegon International which begins in Eastbourne next week.

Elsewhere in Birmingham, Kristina Mladenovic defeated Shuai Zhang 6-4 7-6(3).

At the Mallorca Open, Ana Konjuh defeated Victoria Azarenka for the loss of just four games and there were also wins for Roberta Vinci and Anastasija Sevastova.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.