Ana produced an impressive performance as she brushed aside Michaëlla Krajicek from The Netherlands in the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Besides hitting 15 winners and being dominant throughout the match, the 21st seed displayed great defensive skills and consistency to seal a 6-2, 6-3 victory.
Krajicek won the spin of the coin and elected to serve. She began the contest very brightly, hammering three aces to win the game to 15. However, it proved to be a rare display of the Dutchwoman’s capabilities. After losing the first game, Ana won 12 successive points and cruised into a 3-1 lead.
The 24-year-old added another break and was virtually flawless during her own service games, dropping just one point - a double fault - while serving for the set.
After wrapping up the set, Ana grabbed an early break in the second set. The former world No.1 controlled and retained her advantage, not facing a break point for the second match in a row.
She squandered a first match point in the ninth game, but earned another after the 23-year-old Dutchwoman hit a double fault. On this second attempt, Ana converted with a forehand winner down-the-line to break her adversary for a second time in the set and clinch the match.
During the post-match interview on-court, Ana was asked about her feelings on reaching the third round for the first time in three years. “I always love to come back here," she said.
"It’s my eighth time this year. I take the tournament match by match, I just enjoy competing and having fun."
Ana will face Vania King from the USA in the third round.
By Joeri Moerman
