Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko is into the Hobart International quarterfinals, eliminating last year’s semifinalist Johanna Larsson in the second round. The world No.61 recorded a 6-4 6-4 win in 87 minutes on Centre Court to close today’s day session.
Tsurenko went into the match having lost her previous three meetings with the 11th-seeded Larsson – and determined to reverse the trend. The pair were originally scheduled to meet in the first round this week, before a draw reshuffle due to late withdrawals moved Larsson into a seeded position.
It was tight early, with the opening game lasting seven minutes and Larsson saving four break points on serve. Tsurenko was more dominant on serve, which proved the key difference in the first set. She won 82 per cent of points on her first serve, losing just 12 service points as she took the first set in 45 minutes.
With the momentum in her favour, Tsurenko grabbed a double-break to race to a 3-0 lead in the second set. Larsson worked her way into the match though and managed to level it at 4-all. Yet in the ninth game the Swede lost her serve to love, presenting Tsurenko with the opportunity to serve out the match, which she dutifully did.
“I feel really good because I could handle the wind and the tough conditions,” Tsurenko said of the match. “I’m really happy to win today, it was a good match for me.”
> Finish this sentence… Lesia Tsurenko
Tsurenko next plays either American Shelby Rogers or Spaniard Lara Arruabarrena, who play their second round match this evening.
“I’ve played both of them a few times, so I know how they play,” Tsurenko said of her potential quarterfinal opponents. “It’s a good preparation for the Australian Open, so it’s good to have any opponent.”