AO - Day 4 - Muguruza v Tomljanovic

First up on RLA on Day Four, 2020 AO - Garbiñe Muguruza v Ajla Tomljanovic.

Muguruza served first and with mistakes was down 0-30. Good serving helped her to game point, but inconsistency meant she eventually faced a break point. This was saved but not a second, when Tomljanovic passed the dual GS champion with a backhand.

The break was consolidated but only after a visit to deuce.

Muguruza held serve to put a score on the board, and then appeared set to trail 1-3 when Tomljanovic led 40-15 in the fourth game.

However, a wide forehand and a wide backhand from the Australian brought it to deuce. Another game point disappeared when a Muguruza backhand landed long but was overruled as in by the central umpire. It was later revealed as out, but Tomljanovic didn’t challenge the overrule; if she had she would have won the game.

The point was replayed and Muguruza won the point. She also won the game, breaking back for 2-2.

This was a momentum changer, and Muguruza controlled the remainder of the set, holding easily for 3-2, then converting the third of three break points in the sixth game. The Spaniard’s ability to send forehands deep into the corner, putting Tomljanovic out of the play, was paying dividends, 5-2 the result.

Tomljanovic served a timely love game, forcing Muguruza to the line. A backhand down the line winner gave Muguruza two set points, and a lob winner clinched the set 6-3.

Games went with serve in set two, with break points saved in the third and fourth.

In the sixth game, with Muguruza serving at 2-3, and 30-0, Tomljanovic hit a forehand winner, Muguruza hit a forehand wide, and then one into the net. The break point was saved, but a second one wasn’t, Tomljanovic winning with her forehand. 4-2.

Serving at 5-3 for the set, Tomljanovic double faulted. After that, it was smooth sailing, with a Muguruza error and two service winners creating a couple of set points. A long Spanish return guaranteed that a third set would be required. Tomljanovic won the second set 6-3.

Three games into the deciding set, Muguruza had served two love games, and Tomljanovic had lost just one point. 

30-30 in the fourth game, Tomljanovic serving. Double fault and break point. Saved with a forehand winner down the line. 

Game point disappeared when Muguruza put away a forehand. Second game point gone when Tomljanovic hit long. Break point after a long rally and Muguruza winner. Tomljanovic missed with volley and Muguruza broke for 3-1.

Tomljanovic immediately broke back, then held for 3-3.

At 3-4, the Australian double faulted for 15-30. Forehand winner from Tomljanovic and 30-30. Brilliance from Muguruza with forehand winner and break point. Forehand from Tomljanovic too long and Muguruza at 5-3 serving for the match.

Exchange of errors and 15-15. Great serve and 30-15. Another big serve 40-15 two match points. Backhand winner from Tomljanovic saved one. Missed backhand from Muguruza and deuce. Netted return and third match point. Return long and Garbiñe Muguruza won a close match 6-3 3-6 6-3.