Google News Yulia Putintseva: Goal was to pressure Bianca Andreescu after winning physical opener
by DZEVAD MESIC
Qualifier Yulia Putintseva said she felt "a bit more confident" after winning "a physical first set" against Bianca Andreescu and her goal was to attack the Canadian at the start of the second set. On Tuesday, Putintseva upset 2019 US Open champion Andreescu 7-6 (2) 6-2 in the Abu Dhabi first round.
After winning a very tight first set, Putintseva won the second set much easier to complete a two-set win over Andreescu. "I think the first set was a really physical set, we played really, really tough rallies. I was feeling a little bit more confident in the second set, and I was like, ‘You have to put pressure now,’ and it worked out well," Putintseva said after beating Andreescu, per the WTA website.
How Putintseva beat Andreescu
Putintseva didn't get off to a good start to the match as she lost her serve in the very first game. After the first three games, Andreescu had a 2-1 lead and was serving. Then in the next five games, five consecutive breaks were seen as Putintseva and Andreescu were tied to four games apiece after the first eight games.
After five consecutive games with breaks of serve, Putintseva and Andreescu held on to their serves in the next four games and the opener had to be resolved in a tie-break. The first set was a very tight contest until the tie-break, where Putintseva opened a very comfortable 6-0 lead.
Andreescu managed to save the first two set points but couldn't save the third as Putintseva sealed the opener. After winning a tight first set, Putintseva started the second set with back-to-back breaks and a 4-0 lead. Up by a set and a double break, Putintseva held on to her serve for the rest of the match to complete a two-set win.
In her next match, Putintseva will be playing against Beatriz Haddad Maia. "I have to stay low on my legs and be ready for a tough battle," Putintseva said of facing Haddad Maia.