And that was it. #BelindaBencic’s stunning 12-match winning streak ended in the hands of the resurgent #AngeliqueKerber, who produced a masterclass return display to prevail 6-4, 6-2 in their #BNPParibasOpen semifinal clash under the lights of Stadium 1. Kerber was clinical off the return, breaking the Swiss’ serve on seven different occasions as she booked a spot in her first-ever Indian Wells final, which also happens to be her first final on the Premier Mandatory level.
Bencic’s play today was ineffective against Kerber, who loves and enjoys redirecting the pace. Firing on all cylinders, the German fired 22 winners to just 17 unforced errors while the Dubai champion could not find her range today; hitting just 14 winners yet mishitting on 27 occasions. Winning just 22 percent of her second serves, Bencic was handed a disappointing loss today with this fantastic performance from Kerber.
Kerber will face surprise package Bianca Andreescu in the final, and a win will allow her to return to the second spot in the rankings after a dismal start to 2019.
Kerber recovers from an early deficit to take the first set
Bencic started the match really strong, grabbing the break in the opening game having lost her last three meetings with the German. The official records state that Kerber had not beaten Bencic on a hard court but in fact, the Swiss fell to the three-time Major twice in the Hopman Cup in the past two years. Nonetheless, it was a great beginning for Bencic who looked to dominate the baseline and dictate the rallies.
The Swiss then put in a solid service hold to consolidate the break for a two-game advantage, with Kerber losing all the important points. However, the German managed to assert her authority with a love service hold, getting onto the scoreboard in some style.
Eight consecutive points went to Kerber as Bencic lost her way — with Kerber stepping up her aggression and troubling her opponent with her solid and consistent baseline game. Despite so, Bencic produced a fantastic backhand down-the-line winner to reclaim the advantage which she consolidated for a 4-2 lead.
Kerber’s ability to counterpunch was incredible as Bencic often found herself transitioning from offence to defence, and the scores were once again levelled with the eighth seed fighting to break back once more. This time, Kerber was able to take the lead for the first time in the match, controlling the proceedings with her world-class forehand.
After a tussle, Kerber was able to rattle off four straight games and snatch the first set 6-4 despite the slow start; readjusting her tactics and playing a smart match to have the upper hand.
Kerber rolls to take the win
A stunning dropshot return winner saw Bencic start the second set with a break of serve, helping her to regain some of her confidence. However, her struggles on serve were once again exposed as Kerber immediately fought back with the tenacious tennis. Kerber, finding all the angles and power on her shot, neutralized Bencic’s power to grab three consecutive games for a commanding 3-1 lead, putting herself in the perfect position to close out the win.
Bencic, losing her last three meetings against Kerber, made one final push as she broke back with some powerful hitting and it seemed as though the German was lacking in rhythm as she committed multiple unforced errors in the process. Nonetheless, the eighth seed was quick to respond as she stole yet another break, this time consolidating for a 5-2 advantage.
Bencic won just four points on serve in the second set, having lost her serve just once against Karolina Pliskova throughout her entire quarterfinal match. Kerber was doing so well to unpack Bencic’s serve and broke serve for the seventh time to seal the outrageously impressive 6-4, 6-2 win after just an hour and seven minutes of play.
Komentarze