No. 4 seed Anastasia Potapova has moved through to round 2 at Transylvania Open after defeating American Ann Li in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (5).
More aggressive and steadier in the long rallies, Potapova had to overcome her emotions at the end of set two, when she served to close the match at 5-4 and 6-5. Ann Li, World No. 65, managed to rebreak every time and seemed to be able to take the match into a decisive set, but the Russian regrouped and won the tiebreak thanks to several well-tailored attacks.
Potapova, 21, is one of the season revelations, considering she was outside Top 100 at the beginning of the year. She is now World No. 48, she won her first WTA title, in Istanbul, and played in two other consecutive semifinals – in Lausanne and Hamburg (both WTA 250) -, and also the final in Prague (WTA 250).
Potapova is considered one of the most promising players in the new generation. Her transition to big tennis – though spectacular – didn’t arrive unannounced. Former World Junior No. 1 and Wimbledon Junior winner, she now tries to replicate those successes in the seniors’ competition.
For the second time at Transylvania Open, Anastasia will play in round 2 against the winner between Golubic and Parry.
