Ana Bogdan (31 years, 63 WTA) qualified tonight for the second round of the 1000 points competition in Rome, after beating Leylah Fernandez (21 years, 34 WTA) in minimum sets , score 6-4, 6-1, at the end of a game that lasted one hour and 41 minutes.
The Romanian started the game at the Foro Italico very well, with a break, and led 2-0 at the start of the game. Leylah Fernandez tried to get back into the game, recovered the break, but it was Ana who went one step ahead of her opponent, at 3-2.
The player from Sinaia continued to have a very solid performance and took the first set in her favor, 6-4, after 57 minutes of play.
With good morale after winning the first leg in front of an opponent who started as a favorite, Ana managed to break again very quickly, at 2-1, which she immediately consolidated at 3-1, then breaking away at 4-1 and taking a serious option on winning this game.
Even though Fernandez had the chance to recover a break and keep the suspense in the match, Ana saved her opponent’s chances and broke away at 5-1, then won the duel on the Canadian’s serve, score 6-1.
The route of the Romanians at the tournament in Rome
Sorana Cîrstea, ranked 32nd in the WTA, is the only player from Romania who benefits from a free first round, being the number 28 favorite. Our athlete will debut directly in the second round, either with Taylor Townsend or with a player from the qualifiers. In the third round we could have a 100% Romanian duel, between Cîrstea and Bogdan. Until then, however, Ana will have a fiery duel in the second round, where she will meet last year’s Wimbledon champion, the Czech Marketa Vondroušová (24 years old, 6 WTA).
On the other hand, Irina Begu, who has always played very well at the Foro Italico, will play in the first round with a player from the qualifiers. If she passes this challenge, Irina will beat one of the best tennis players in the circuit, Elena Rybakina, in the second round.
