Day Three of the 2019 Australian Open, and half of the second round singles draw were scheduled to play.
The tournament doubles was also to begin today.
On the weirdly renamed 1573 Arena (it is still Court 2 to me), Australian wildcard Zoe Hives had the difficult challenge of playing French 19th seed Caroline Garcia.
Hives served first.
Three errors in a nervous start and triple break point. A fourth miss, and Garcia led 1-0.
A down the line backhand winner opened the Hives account, but Garcia consolidated easily with a backhand winner and an ace finishing the game. 2-0.
A better start to the next service game from Hives, although a winning backhand return from Garcia made it 30-30. A break point arrived and Garcia used it to the fullest, now ahead 3-0.
A great lob forced Garcia into error, and a backhand winner saw the 19th seed fall behind 15-30. Good serving rectified the situation, including an ace. 4-0.
30-0 again for Hives, and an off forehand winner - three game points. A love game to finally put a score on the board. Good return forcing a French mistake, but next two points to Garcia. A shot landing on the baseline and 30-30. A Garcia backhand pushed long and a break point for Hives. A fine return rushed Garcia and the break came. 4-2 Garcia.
Down 0-30, Hives hit a backhand pass but Garcia was then all over another second serve, returning it down the line to earn two break chances. One saved, and the second. Another break point saved with a forehand winner. Deuce.
After a 17 shot rally, Garcia hit long and game point. Hives held for 3-4.
Ace, and an unplayable serve, gave Garcia 30-0. Hives fought back to 30-30, but smart serving won out for 5-3.
A Garcia winning forehand and return winner, plus a Hives mistake produced set point - saved with an ace. A second set point thanks to a solid Garcia overhead. A backhand winner sealed it 6-3.
Garcia behind 0-30 in the opening game of set two, but steadied with her serve to hold 1-0.
Hives led 40-0, and despite letting a couple of points slip, held firm for 1-1.
Garcia raced to 2-1, starting and ending the game with aces.
Ahead 30-15 after a forehand winner, Hives lost her way, a double fault donating a break point to Garcia. A fine backhand return confirmed the break, and the lead of 3-1.
Both players held serve, Hives to love, with a backhand winner and ace. 4-2 Garcia.
An easy hold for Garcia, surrendering a single point, and at 2-5 Hives needed to hold serve to remain in the contest.
Another love game for Hives, but Garcia would serve for the match at 5-3.
A Hives winning forehand and 15-15. Two Hives mistakes and two match points. One needed.
Caroline Garcia won a third round berth 6-3 6-3.
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