“The first round is always a tough game. Sara is very competitive. Regardless of her age, the tournament and the surface, she mentally competes at all points. I’m happy with my work today. It wasn’t an easy game. We knew It was going to be tough. I would have to be brave and step forward, look for the net as much as possible. I’m happy. There were some details to improve, but it’s tennis, today I didn’t want to be perfect, so we’ll have another opportunity to improve. work better next time,” the Brazilian told ESPN after the match.
The duel with Navarro, in the third round, will be a more complicated obstacle in what is Bia’s first tournament on European clay in 2024. The American was outside the top 100 until May last year and has been on a great rise, recording important victories. This year, she was champion of the WTA 250 in Hobart, Australia, and reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells and the round of 16 in Miami and Charleston. This season alone, she has already defeated the likes of Aryna Sabalenka (#2 in the world), Jasmine Paolini (#14) and Elina Svitolina (#17).
Discussion with referee
Bia already had a lead over Errani in the second set, but her serve was threatened when an argument with the chair referee left the Brazilian angry, but even more focused and precise. In the move, after a dubious ball from Errani, Bia hit a forehand and sent the ball out. Soon after her ball went out, however, the São Paulo native looked at the mark left by Errani’s ball and argued with the chair referee that the Italian had sent the ball away. The official, however, argued that the Brazilian should have shown the mark before the end of the point – that is, before the Brazilian’s ball went out. The decision left the score at 0/30, on the Brazilian’s serve, but Bia won the following points and not only avoided the break but also took off on the scoreboard, winning all the games until the end.
“The ball [da Errani]For me, it was outside. According to the rule, you hit the ball, look at the mark and then you can score. In fact, I missed the ball, but I hit it and looked at the mark. It was my first reaction. The referee said that my reaction wasn’t that quick. I might even see it later, but it happens. We are human. I could have been wrong, she could have been wrong. At the time, we’re on the court there, we’re competing… It happens!”
In doubles, defending the title
