Win over #1 right before AO did Kasatkina no favors. Probably started to feel she has a chance to go far here and folded mentally due to pressure and expectations.
First MD Grand Slam win for Peng since AO 2015. I don't think she gets enough credit for coming back from spine surgery, to get herself back into the top 100. I wasn't always sure she'd ever get back to where she was, but she looks great, and is always a little dangerous on the hard courts.
Great opening set for Peng, but the usual nerves surfaced throughout the second set. Kasatkina was just all sorts of awful today. Peng made her look really juniorish. All those short angles, and short slices left Dasha a little clueless.
Chirico or Bouchard awaits in R2.
This is certainly an opportunity for Peng. with Coco or Parmentier looming beyond.
Kasatkina seemed so tense near the end. She was just not in control of her shots and with a game like hers it's over when that happens. Credit to Shuai for pulling it through with controlled agression and pretty good winners.
Slow start, dont know how to close a set, classic Dashka. :SNE:
She's got to find something to handle pressure and go for it when it matters if she wants more.:shrug:
I've never been like a fan of Peng but I always get very happy when she get a win.
She seem so nice and have always been unlucky so I really think she is worth some luck and success.