Rodionova, Lorbergs bow out in Mildura
Top seed Arina Rodionova has been defeated in the second round at the ITF $25,000 event in Mildura, while impressive Victorian qualifier Genevieve Lorbergs also fell.
Mildura VIC, Australia, 9 March 2017 | David Packman
The last Australian women have departed the Mildura Grand International after top seed Arina Rodionova was bundled out in the second round on Thursday, along with qualifiers Genevieve Lorbergs and Monique Adamczak, who was forced to withdraw from her match with a hamstring injury.
Opposing Gabriella Taylor of Great Britain, Rodionova fell down a double break early before mounting a recovery, but it was not enough to salvage the first set. Finding herself in trouble again early in the second, she managed to claw herself back and level proceedings. The deciding set saw both players create opportunities to win the match, but it was the less experienced Taylor who eventually forged a memorable victory, winning 6-4 4-6 7-5.
Taylor now plays fellow Brit Katie Boulter who defeated Victorian qualifier Genevieve Lorbergs, 6-3 6-3.
Despite the loss, Lorbergs has had an impressive month on the Australian Pro Tour, taking advantage of a wildcard in Perth to defeat third seed Na-Lae Han in her first ITF Circuit main draw appearance.
The 26-year-old backed that up by winning the doubles title in Clare Valley with Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia the following week, before qualifying in Mildura and taking out British No.5 seed Katy Dunne in the first round on Wednesday.
“That was a really big highlight for me,” Lorbergs said. “It’s a bit of shame the tournament has come to an end now but I’m still really excited.
“I just came up against a girl who was too strong today. All in all, I couldn’t do too much more, and I’m pretty happy with the week.”
Slovakian second seed Viktoria Kuzmova – who advanced after Adamczak withdrew – will now face Frenchwoman Sherazad Reix, while the remaining quarterfinals see American third seed Kristie Ahn play Abigail Tere-Apisah of Papua New Guinea and Japan’s Ayano Shimizu oppose Thai Noppawan Lertcheewakarn.
Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.