Ana passed the first hurdle at the Australian Open as she convincingly beat Lourdes Dominguez-Lino from Spain. The 24-year-old produced an almost impeccable performance and confidently clinched a 6-0, 6-3 victory.
Although it was a long day of patiently waiting in the locker room, Ana started like a whirlwind on a packed Court No.2. She was dominant from the baseline with bashing groundstrokes and frequently visited the net to finish points. In barely 20 minutes, Ana wrapped up the opening set without dropping a game.
In the second game of the second set, which was by far the longest of the match, Dominquez-Lino fought like a woman possessed to get on the scoreboard; she finally succeeded after Ana netted a forehand return.
Dominguez-Lino kept pace with Ana until 3-3, but always tasted defeat during the longer rallies. To impede Ana from firing more winners from the baseline, and to get the former world No.1 away from her comfort zone, the Spaniard often tried out some drop shots. However, Ana never lost control of the situation and applied pressure on the world No. 78 in every service game.
With a sublime backhand passing shot, Ana finally carved out an opening in the eighth game of the second set and led 5-3. The 24-year-old smoothly served out the match in just over an hour to advance to the second round.
In round two on Thursday Ana will encounter Michaëlla Krajicek from The Netherlands. The younger sister of former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek eliminated Kristina Barrois of Germany, 6-3, 7-6.
Ana has played the Dutchwoman, currently ranked world No. 91, twice before, sharing one victory apiece back in 2006.
