First up on Day Two of the 2019 Australian Open was Johanna Konta, born in Australia, but now a Brit. Johanna would be battling Australian Ajla Tomljanovic on Court 3.
The pair met just weeks ago in Brisbane where Ajla was successful, but a Grand Slam tournament is a different matter.
Johanna Konta served first and immediately Tomljanovic attacked her forehand with success. A lengthy rally saw Konta prevail, but great defence from the Australian brought up two break points. An ace saved one, but a Konta forehand hit long clinched the break.
A Tomljanovic off backhand winner was offset by a backhand hitting the net, but an ace gave her 30-15. Konta took her on a trip to deuce, and taking advantage of second serves, gained a break point. Saved by Tomljanovic who then aced the Brit, consolidating for 2-0.
Backhands, including a down the line winner, drove Tomljanovic to the first 2 points on the next Konta serve, and despite an ace, two more break points fell into the Aussie lap. These evaporated, before a double fault created a third. A winning backhand solved that problem. A fourth break chance was saved in the same manner.
Konta importantly held serve and trailed 1-2
After two fine first serves were interrupted by a double fault, Tomljanovic finished off the game in style to lead 3-1.
From 15-30, Konta served her way out of trouble to stick close at 2-3.
A love game to break back, and 3-3
On fire now, Konta hit a winning backhand to reach game point. Tomljanovic responded with a return backhand winner, and then had a break point. Saved. An ace and ultimately a service hold. 4-3 Konta.
Love hold for Tomljanovic and 4-4
A Konta ace for 15-15, and she proceeded to lead 5-4
Serving to stay in the set, Tomljanovic netted a backhand. An ace was better, and another one took her to 30-30. A forcing forehand and game point. Service held for 5-5.
A Konta ace and 15-15. Tomljanovic errors and a Konta winner again put the pressure on Tomljanovic to hold and stay in the set.
A great game from the Australian to send the set to a tie break.
The first six points went with serve, then a Konta winner gave her a mini break. A ground shot long and the mini break lost - Tomljanovic two serves at 4-5. A Konta return winner presented her with two set points.
Attacking the second serve worked, and Konta led 7-6(4).
Tomljanovic began set two holding serve, despite Konta hitting volley and forehand winners, and having to save a break point.
An ace finished a strong game for Konta 1-1.
Services were held for the next three games and Konta served at 2-3.
Tomljanovic passed Konta with a forehand then loose shots gave Konta a 30-15 lead. A strong Aussie forehand and 30-30. A shocking miss by Konta and break point. Saved with a good serve. Same again and game point. Deuce after a sound Tomljanovic forehand. Another Konta miss and break point once more. An excellent forehand off her knees and the break of serve for Tomljanovic. 4-2.
Winners from both but Konta had one more and two break back points. One saved through a Tomljanovic winning backhand. Deuce after a Konta error. Game to Tomljanovic, now ahead 5-2.
Serving to stay in the set, Konta hit a backhand into the net, contributed a double fault, and found the net with another failed backhand. Two set points. Set to Tomljanovic 6-2.
Ajla served first in the decider. Errors determined the 30-30 scoreline. A break chance for Konta after a drive forehand. Saved. Game to the Australian.
Tomljanovic saved three break points in game three, clinching the advantage with a winner. 2-1.
Konta won a great rally with a forehand for 30-15, and she used her imagination to proceed to game points. Level at 2-2
Double fault from Tomljanovic, but errors from the Konta backhand and 40-15. 3-2 to the Aussie.
Forehand wide off the Konta racquet, then an ace, an effective backhand, and another ace. 40-30 after a Konta backhand error. Hold for 3–3.
4-3 Tomljanovic without any issues.
A Konta ace for 30-15, and a slashing forehand - two game points. 4-4 and a critical stage.
Konta moved brilliantly to hit a winning backhand but couldn’t prevent Tomljanovic holding for 5-4.
Konta serving to remain in the match.
A Konta forehand winner, a pair of Tomljanovic errors, and an ace. 5-5.
Konta ahead, taking advantage of Tomljanovic missing her first serve, but the Australian coming back with great placement to have game point. Then deuce. An ace at the right time. Held for 6-5.
A forehand winner from Tomljanovic. A stunning response by Konta. An ace and a tie break to decide the match. The tie break is the new rule, replacing the advantage final set - first to 10 with a two point break. A shame this match had to end with a lottery.
Konta began well, winning the first two points, but Tomljanovic levelled. On serve with the Australian ahead 3-2. A great return, and at the change of ends Tomljanovic with the edge 4-2.
Big serve from Tomljanovic and 5-3. Konta’s fine return and loose forehand was followed with an ace. 6-5 Tomljanovic.
6-6 after Australian error - second end change.
Konta now in charge after a winning forehand 7-6. 7-7 with her backhand miss. 8-7 and Tomljanovic under pressure.
A return winner from Konta and two match points.
Won with a forehand - her 47th winner
Johanna Konta won 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6 (10-7)
I hate the introduction of the final set tie break - IT KILLED THIS QUALITY MATCH
No comments:
Post a Comment