Anastasia Kulikova is playing her first Grand Slam qualifier in her career and is just one win away from the main event.
18.5. 16:48 • Updated May 18 18:50
The number one player in Finnish women’s tennis Anastasia Kulikova22, defeated the Russian in the second qualifying round of the French Open Anastasia Potapovan 5-7, 7-6, 6-3 after nearly three hours of curing. Potapova, 21, was ranked No. 1 in the qualifiers and ranked 78th on the world list, with Kulikova 193st on the world list.
Kulikova played unprejudicedly in the match and Potapova got into the bottom line in the first set. Kulikova had as many as four bouncing balls in the set, both in his own and his opponent’s passes. However, Potapova stubbornly rose alongside the Finn and passed.
The start of the second round was difficult for Kulikova, who quickly lost 0-3. In the break-toned round, Kulikova got up to fight and grabbed the winning game. In the third set, Kulikova solved the game by first breaking Potapova’s lead to 4-2 and then holding his own.
– I feel really good and play here! The conditions and atmosphere are great, I just enjoyed myself and the people, said Kulikova on the Tennis Association’s website.
Kulikova was pleased with her attitude and focus.
– I was really hungry and I wanted to win.
Kulikova, who is playing for the first time in the Grand Slam qualifiers, is now victorious from the main series, as the main series place opens with three victories. In the qualifying final, he will face Belgium Ysaline Bonaventurewhich ranks 170th on the world list.
The 27-year-old and also left-handed Bonaventure has been at its best in the world rankings at 116 in July 2018. Kulikova and Bonaventure have met once before, less than two months ago in the semi-finals of the Croissy-Beaubourg ITF in France. At that time, the Belgian won the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.
– His style of play is different and a bit strange. Mostly, however, direct and hard punches are known. I know I have a chance, I will try my best.
Updated at 6:50 PM: Added comments by Kulikova.