The Spanish-Venezuelan was defeated in two hours and 39 minutes against the Czech Petra Kvitova
Garbiñe lost 5-7, 6-3 and 7-6(10), despite having two match points and serving to win
The Spanish Garbiñe Muguruza said goodbye to the US Open this Saturday in the third round after losing by 5-7, 6-3 and 7-6(10) in two hours and 39 minutes against the Czech Petra Kvitovadespite having two match points and having the service to take the match.
In a disappointing season with many disappointments, Muguruzanumber ten in the WTA, had rediscovered his best tennis in the last Grand Slam of the year, but finally fell to Kvitova after a very close and exciting match.
The Spaniard could not match her best result at the US Open (eighth in 2017 and 2021) and has not yet won three straight matches in 2022. Although she is far from the level that led her to be double champion of Wimbledon (2011 and 2014), Kvitovanumber 21 in the world ranking, was not an easy opponent.
The Czech, finalist in Cincinnatti and Eastbourne champion this year, came into this match with a record of five wins and only one loss against the Spanish. In addition, she had fresher legs since she got through the second round without having to play due to the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Anheline Kalinina.
equality of forces
Disputed in the first morning shift of Flushing Meadows, the match began with a clear command of services, concise exchanges and very fast points. So much so that in just over fifteen minutes five games had already been resolved (3-2 for Kvitova). The Czech was the first to show her teeth and, taking advantage of the power of her right hand to move Muguruzaachieved the first “break” of the day (4-2).
It seemed that the wind was in favor of Kvitova, but the Spaniard did not lose her temper, she took advantage of her rival’s mistakes (increasingly overwhelmed by double faults that would make her morning bitter) and returned the break in service immediately, displaying admirable aplomb (4-3) . With the two players showing signs of obvious solidity, the first set aimed to decide on small details.
Muguruza had to deal with a tricky situation at 15-30 and Kvitova remaining to take the set, but was finally able to hold serve (5-5). Then the time came for Mugurzuawho broke his rival’s serve (delivered it with a new double fault) and tied the first set from service after 44 minutes.
Aggressive Kvitova
Kvitova He did not collapse and recovered in the second set his strength and aggressiveness from the start of the match. Her first break option came at 3-2 in her favor and she didn’t waste it by forcing the backhand of Muguruza will stay at the net (4-2).
Slightly more hasty and with more errors, Muguruza didn’t throw in the towel but finally handed over the second set after 40 minutes when Kvitova he resolved his second set point with a splendid ace. With the forces balanced on the track, Muguruza kept a cool head and checked the momentum of a Kvitova grown after winning the second set.
However, it was the Spanish who gave the first blow in the final set with a break in service that left her very close to victory (2-4). With little left to lose (he finished the match with 50 unforced errors and 43 winners), Kvitova he took his forehand out for a walk again and went 0-30 in the next game.
But Muguruzamuch more consistent and regular, won four points in a row (including a direct serve) in a superb reaction that placed her just one step away from victory (2-5). Muguruza he had everything going for him and served to take the set, but a couple of mistimed errors broke serve for Kvitova (4-5).
I raised my arms Muguruza without being able to explain that unfortunate moment of weakness, but he recovered from the return with 5-6 in his favor until he had two match points. Kvitova solved the first with an “ace” and in the second Muguruza he sent his right to the net so the duel went to sudden death. There the Czech took command, wasting three match balls before winning the victory with the fourth after a forehand from Muguruza that went online.