Potapova rallies past Gauff in Miami third round

After seeing an early lead slip away, Anastasia Potapova rallied for a come-from-behind win in opposition to Coco Gauff on Saturday on the Miami Open. 

No.27 seed Potapova, who let a 5-2 lead slip away within the opening set, was one recreation from defeat trailing 7-6(8), 5-3 — however received 10 of the following 12 video games to assert a 6-7(8), 7-5, 6-2 win over the sixth-seeded American in 2 hours and 32 minutes. 

The win is Potapova’s third profession Prime 10 win, and first since she beat then-No.2 Anett Kontaveit final summer time in Prague. It was additionally her first win in three tries in opposition to Gauff.

Phrases from the winner: Potapova credited improved health for her skill to hold powerful in sizzling and humid noon situations at Arduous Rock Stadium, and her mentality for with the ability to rise to the event when three factors from defeat. 

“I feel I simply let it go, and I began to deal with my tennis and going for my pictures and never considering what she goes to do,” Potapova mentioned afterwards. “I am actually comfortable to be within the fourth spherical for the primary time; it is a dream that basically got here true. 

“In these powerful situations, it is not straightforward to play … Coco is an unbelievable athlete and she or he has excellent health. I am actually shocked that I might keep on the similar degree till the tip.. Because of my health coach!” 

Story of the tape: Potapova opened the match strongly, ending factors and hitting via Gauff’s defenses most of the time. She was additionally clutch in essential moments, and saved the primary seven break factors she confronted. However she did not serve out the opener at 5-3, and the primary set lasted greater than an hour to set the tone for the match. 

The tiebreak was a back-and-forth affair that noticed each gamers lead — Gauff and 3-1, 5-3 and 6-5, and Potapova at 7-6 and 8-7 with serve — earlier than the American wrapped it up by successful the final three factors. 

Turning level: Potapova had three recreation factors for 4-4 within the second set, however was ultimately damaged on the primary break level she confronted within the set. Gauff was, in actual fact, three factors away from victory serving at 15-0, however was as an alternative damaged to fifteen. 

Potapova later saved two break factors within the twelfth recreation earlier than wrapping up the second set. 

Potapova solely grew stronger within the decider, wherein she received 5 straight video games; in them, she misplaced simply 5 factors — and three of these got here at 2-2, the place she broke Gauff at deuce.

Up subsequent: Potapova will subsequent play No.23 seed Zheng Qinwen of China within the Spherical of 16. Zheng prolonged her career-best exhibiting in Miami by outlasting No.12 seed Liudmila Samsonova 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-3 in 3 hours and seven minutes — the twenty fourth main-draw match this yr to final greater than three hours. 

Zheng takes down Samsonova for first time

Zheng battled again from 3-0 down within the third set, reeling off the final six video games of the conflict and getting again on degree footing of their head-to-head at two victories apiece. Samsonova had defeated Zheng of their final two conferences, together with final season’s Tokyo closing.

The truth is, earlier than Miami, Zheng’s final scheduled match was in opposition to Samsonova in Dubai, however the Chinese language participant withdrew from that assembly with an belly harm. Her belly points additionally compelled her to skip Indian Wells.

However final season’s WTA Newcomer of the Yr Zheng is again on observe in Miami. On Saturday, Zheng slammed 18 aces en path to the gritty victory.

Zheng has overwhelmed Potapova in every of their first two profession conferences, together with an epic in qualifying this yr on the Adelaide Worldwide 2; Zheng was a 6-7(3), 7-5, 7-6(4) winner there in a staggering 3 hours and 36 minutes.