Google News
Donna Vekic is happy the pieces have finally fallen into place for her as the Croatian is now praying she just stays healthy and keeps producing good results. Vekic, 26, got off to a really strong start to the 2023 season as she won each of her three United Cup matches and also made the Australian Open quarterfinal before losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
In February, Vekic also did well as she won her first title of the year in Monterrey and also made the Linz quarterfinal. The Sunshine Double wasn't really that great for Vekic, who exited Indian Wells in the second round and Miami in the third round, respectively.
This Monday, Vekic kicked off her clay season with a 7-6 (7) 7-6 (5) win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. So far in 2023, Vekic has 17 wins and four losses - which is definitely a great record. “I have a really good team around me.
I’ve been working hard for years & the results were not coming, but finally everything came together. So hopefully I will stay healthy & keep playing this way," Vekic said, via The Tennis Letter.
Donna Vekic on what changed for her since last year: “I have a really good team around me.
I’ve been working hard for years & the results were not coming, but finally everything came together. So hopefully I will stay healthy & keep playing this way”. pic.twitter.com/OaISo6LXTD — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 17, 2023
Vekic edged out Alexandrova in tight two sets
Vekic made a fast start to the match, breaking Alexandrova early for a 3-0 lead.
In the ninth game - when Vekic was serving for the first set - Alexandrova managed to break back the Croatian and ultimately send the first set into a tie-break. In the first-set tie-break, Vekic had a 6-4 lead and two consecutive set points before Alexandrova won the next three points to take a 7-6 lead.
Down 7-6 and facing a set point, Vekic won the next three points to win the first set. In the second set, Vekic blew an early break but also saved a set point on her serve in the 12th game. In the second-set tie-break, Alexandrova had a 5-4 lead before Vekic won the next three points to complete a two-set win. Vekic plays next against the winner of the match between Maria Sakkari and Karolina Pliskova.