World number two Garbine Muguruza is not enjoying a smooth transition from clay to grass and the fact that her first grasscourt match was in her home country didn’t help, as the Spaniard had no answer to Kirsten Flipkens‘ game in the first round of the Mallorca Open.
Three of Flipkens’ four Top 10 wins happened on grass, as the 2013 Wimbledon semifinalist’s tennis is fitted for faster surfaces, and her today’s victory over Muguruza came in straight sets, even though the favorite opened the match with a 2-0 lead. The early break Muguruza recorded turned out to be her only break in the first set, as she converted just one out of six break points, while Flipkens earned two break points, converted both and won the first set. In the second set, Flipkens again had a 100% success in break point conversions, while Muguruza earned no break points. Final result: 6-3 6-4.
The 61st-ranked Flipkens is obviously a tough opponent on grass, but also Muguruza could not adapt to the new conditions so fast. The 2016 French Open champion said:
I barely had time to actually practice and enjoy the tournament. I wanted to play Mallorca so much and I tried, but then I went to the court and obviously I couldn’t find my rhythm.
I am wondering if Garbi will play Eastbourne next week. She really needs tournament play to get ready for Wimbledon and she has a lot of points to defend there. Flipkens was a tough draw.
Jim, I guess she will. Last year she lost in the first round of Birmingham and then she played Eastbourne.
That’s alright, Mugu. You’re still a champ! There are plenty more titles for you to win. Get some rest, and remember, you’re the reigning queen of the clay, which happens to be your specialty, NOT GRASS. Congrats to Flipkens!
It’s the standard lose early immediately after winning a major syndrome. See Angelique Kerber, Ana Ivanovic (wo never seemed to completely recover), Sam Stosur (as I recall?)
@CLT except for vika I can’t recall any first time slammer who didn’t have that syndrome since 2004