A clinical Kirsten Flipkens continued her Hobart International winning streak today, easily accounting for world no.56 Bojana Jovanovski, 6-3 6-2 this afternoon.
The 26 year old Belgian has been in scintillating form. She produced one of the upsets of the tournament in the first round, beating French Open champion and former world No.4 Francesca Schiavone, before a classy display against Jovanoski today saw her book her place in the quarterfinals.
Flipkins got off to a flying start, romping to a 5-0 lead before Jovanovski managed to compose herself and work her way into the match, stealing a break back to take the score to 5-3. With her second attempt at serving out the set Flipkens made no mistake clinching the first set 6-3. The pattern of the first set continued into the second with the Belgian in complete control of the match. Her well placed drop shots and hard-hitting forehand clearly tiring her Serbian opponent, Flipkens eventually prevailing 6-3 6-2 to ensure her place in the quarterfinals.
Flipkins had a career best season in 2012, winning her maiden WTA title in Quebec City last September. She will certainly be looking to take a step closer to a second title when she meets the winner of tonight’s match between Shuai Peng and Monica Niculescu.
By Nick Cuthbertson.