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Former world no. 11 Anastasija Sevastova is off to a winning start at the WTA 125 Open BLS de Limoges event. World no. 850 is playing only her fourth tournament after Indian Wells in October 2021, embracing another break from tennis before starting all over in Andorra two weeks ago.
After reaching the quarter-final at her comeback event, Sevastova toppled Patricia Maria Tig 6-4, 6-1 in Limoges in an hour and 20 minutes. The 33-year-old Latvian outplayed her opponent in the opener and dominated set number two to seal the deal and reach the last 16.
Anastasija hit two aces and five double faults. However, she overpowered her opponent behind the first and second serve, taking advantage of Tig’s seven double faults. Anastasija got broken three times from six chances offered to her rival.
The Latvian had the upper hand in the return games, creating eight opportunities and seizing seven for a comfortable victory.
Anastasija Sevastova if off to a winning start in Limoges.
Tig made a better start, producing a fine hold in the encounter’s first game and converting the second break chance in the next one for 2-0.
Anastasija raised her level, breaking back at love in game three and holding at 15 a few minutes later for 2-2. Patricia Maria got broken for the second straight time in game five, falling behind and allowing Anastasija to forge a 4-2 advantage with a hold at love.
The Romanian made one last push, holding in game seven and pulling the break back at 3-4 to lock the result and erase the deficit. In one of the encounter’s crucial games, Tig squandered three game points and suffered a break that pushed Sevastova 5-4 in front.
Anastasija served for the opener in game ten and held at 30, wrapping up the first set in just under 50 minutes. Patricia Maria lost the ground behind the initial shot in the second set, never holding serve and propelling Anastasija over the top.
Sevastova came from 40-15 down in the first game, taking four straight points and earning a break. The Latvian delivered more breaks in games three and five, forging a 5-0 advantage and moving closer to the top. Anastasija served for a bagel and the win in game six, creating three match points but squandering them.
Patricia Maria grabbed a break, reducing the deficit to 5-1 and extending the battle. Sevastova left that game behind and clinched her fifth straight break in game seven, sealing the deal and moving into the second round.
Source: Tennis World USA