For the second time in a year, Marta won a strong-willed victory over Avanesyan, who during this time changed the neutral flag to the Armenian one
Leading Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk commented on her difficult victory over Elina Avanesyan from Armenia in the first round of the tournament WTA 1000 V Wuhan (China).
“Can I compare this match with our fight at the Australian Open? I think today it was easier for me than in Australia. It was a Grand Slam tournament, so there was more pressure. That was the first time I managed to make it to the fourth round at an Australian major. I think that match was much harder for me both physically and mentally.”
“Today we played longer and the score was closer. It was a difficult day for me, I’m glad I coped with it and moved on. I was very happy to see the spectators at the stadium because it was already so late. But it’s incredible to see that the spectators stayed late even though it’s only the first round. I didn’t expect there to be a lot of people. So thank you for your support. This is my first time playing in Wuhan, so I was very pleased.”
Let us remember that Marta made her debut in Wuhan with a victory, but at the same time she met the most serious resistance. Avanesyan won the first set (6:4), then the Ukrainian managed to turn the game around and take revenge (7:5). Everything was decided in a tiebreaker, where Kostyuk confidently prevailed – 7:2.
This year, in January, the Ukrainian already crossed paths with Avanesyan, when she had not yet changed her country and was performing under a neutral flag. It was in the third round of the Australian Open 2024, and then the Ukrainian also managed to win in a strong-willed style.
In the second round of the tournament in Wuhan, March, seeded 13th, will face Amanda Anisimova from the USA. Another Ukrainian continues to fight at the event – Lesya Tsurenko, who tomorrow, October 9, will fight Magda Linette from Poland. At the same time, Yulia Starodubtseva dropped out in the final qualifying round, and Dayana Yastremskaya was unable to overcome the first round.
Source: Sportarena
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