Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 

[1] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs. [38] Daria Gavrilova (AUS)

Five previous encounters and Gavrilova was only able to win a set from Kerber twice.  Gavrilova is a bundle of energy and literally vibrates with every step she takes.  Her weapons are her mobility around the court and her ability to mix up the pace on her shots, which often frustrates her opponents.  Her downfall may be her inability to control the pendulum of her strong emotions.  She plays with passion and it’s no surprise that when things are going well her game is brilliant; however, when things are going wrong she can get pouty and lose her focus, which usually results in a slew of unforced errors.

Kerber started off the match by breaking Gavrilova on her first service game and after that it went downhill very quickly for the number one ranked female player.  She clearly was not fully engaged.  Was it a matter of playing too much tennis and feeling a bit jaded; or was there still lingering traces of some injury?  Numerous times throughout the match she shook out her left arm as if it was bothering her.  She also did not make much effort to go after quite a few shots from her opponent, not the Kerber I have grown accustomed to in recent years.  She did not really fight for this match, and I am not trying to take anything away from Gavrilova’s effort, but Kerber was never fully engaged in the match.  Gavrilova scored her first victory over Kerber.  She won 6-3, 6-1 and advanced to the semifinals where she will meet Kristina Mladenovic.

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