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US Open R2: Broady v Radwanska

Ros Satar
Tennis

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By Ros Satar

  • Naomi Broady defeated compatriot and fellow Brit Laura Robson [Q] 6-7(4) 6-3 6-4
  • Faces fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska
  • Heather Watson crumbles in the heat to qualifier Richel Hogenkamp
NEW YORK, USA – Naomi Broady won a tightly contested match against Laura Robson, and earns herself a shot at ninja trickster Agnieszka Radwanska.

 

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Naomi Broady def, Laura Robson [Q] – 6-7(4) 6-3 6-4

In a match that would at least guarantee us one Brit in to the second round, we were treated to a high quality bout between the former British No. 1 and the current British No. 3. Although on paper this should have been Broady’s just by virtue of ranking, Robson was coming into this match tight, having won eight games on the spin, picking up an ITF title and working her way through the US Open qualifying rounds.

Broady has been putting in her time on the main tour, picking up a few wins, and perhaps that match-sharpness at the higher levels of the tour gave her the confidence to come back at Robson after being edged out of the tie-break.

As disappointing as the loss would have been for Robson there were some very encouraging signs from that match. The quality was great, and intensity was unrelenting and provided there were no ill-effects from the three setter, she should feel very encouraged by that performance.

 

Broady v Agnieszka Radwanska [4] – First Meeting

We might scoff and say, of course it is a first meeting, but sometimes that can be more of a disadvantage for the higher ranked player. Broady’s big serves could well guarantee her a few free points but she will not be able to rely on directing proceedings from baseline.

Radwanska has a wealth of experience, she arrives in New York with new silverware from winning New Haven (Broady lost in the first round of qualies), and she will be looking to move the lanky Brit all around the place.

Power players though can get the upper hand if they look to hit all the way through Radwanska, and Broady will be swinging free – all the expectation will be on Radwanska.

She has reached the fourth round four times in her career but last year only made it as far as the third round. Broady needs to come out and play aggressively and take time away from Radwanska – pin her behind the baseline and stop her from seeking out those angles.

It is a tough ask though for the Brit, as the Pole’s confidence looks high.

Prediction: Radwanska in two sets.

Richel Hogenkamp def.  Heather Watson 6-2 7-5

The British No. 2 will have to wait another year to try and advance past the first round at the US Open. There were high hopes as she faced the Dutch qualifier, but from the outset, Hogenkamp looked the more comfortable, in more ways than one.

Watson looked to be in considerable distress, in tears with the doctor and trainer, but whatever they gave her to alleviate the symptoms of a fever, she admitted to have had over the past few days with symptoms similar to her episode post glandular fever in 2013.

She seemed to pick up the pace as nerves set in for Hogenkamp but towards the end of the set, the effect of rallies had Watson doubled over – so much so that the trainer had to carry her bag off for her.

She is scheduled for doubles with Michaella Krajieck.

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