Alize Cornet made the biggest surprise since the start of the Australian Open. The 31-year-old French tennis player eliminated the third-seeded Garbine Muguruza with 2-0 (6:3, 6:3).
Garbine Muguruza was disappointed with her performance and did not show for a moment why she was considered one of the favorites in the tournament. The Spaniard made 33 unforced errors and never once had the opportunity for a break. Both made 17 winners, but Alize Cornet was much more efficient both on service and return.
The French player, who is out of the top 60 in the world rankings, started very confidently and made an early break. She got the most out of Garbine Muguruza’s many mistakes and quickly took the lead with 5:2, after which she had two set points, but the Spaniard saved them. However, Alize Cornet won the first set by 6:3.
In the second set, the result was equal until the fifth game, when Garbine Muguruza missed a few easy balls again and Alize Cornet made a break. The French tennis player did not show any hesitation and at 5:3 forced her opponent to serve to stay in the match. Garbine Muguruzahad already given up and lost the last game to zero.
“I felt amazing throughout the game. I was very focused and played at a really high level. Even when I led with a set and a break in the second, I did not relax. In two days I have a birthday and I made a nice gift. I am proud to have such a long career. The experience definitely helps me. Today I said to myself that I want to have fun on the court and it worked out”, said Alize Cornet after the victory.
In the next round Alize Cornet will face Tamara Zidansek.
