Former world No.5 Lucie Safarova showed her class in an impressive first round victory at Hobart International 2017. The Czech player recorded a 6-3 6-4 victory in 69 minutes against Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic on Centre Court today.
Safarova started strongly, firing down two aces to hold to love in the opening game. She broke in the fourth game, and with six aces and using her big forehand to dominate, the former world No.5 raced through the first set in 25 minutes. Safarova did not lose a point on her first serve for the set.
Breaking in the first game of the second set, the Czech player continued to built her momentum. Safarova dropped only three points on serve as she raced to a 5-0 lead.
“I started great, the first set was very aggressive from my side and I served really well. Second set I got an early lead and then it got a little bit complicated,” Safarova said.
Golubic, the world No.58, reeled off four consecutive games before Safarova steadied and served out the match.
“She surprised me a little bit,” Safarova admitted.
“She played a few good shots and the momentum started to shift, but luckily I stayed strong mentally and finished the match in two sets.”
This is Safarova’s fourth visit to Hobart, but first since 2010. This result equals the world No.62’s previous best at the tournament, when she lost to Serena Williams in 2007.
“Today was just perfect conditions, it is a very nice Centre Court and a good crowd, so it was a pleasure,” she said. “I just hope to get as far as I can here.”
Safarova next meets either Japanese qualifier Risa Ozaki or Japanese lucky loser Kurumi Nara. Nara replaces 10th seed Sara Errani in the draw, who withdrew today with a left thigh injury.