Fiona Ferro was the last contender from the Côte d’Azur in the Open Capfinance de Rouen. Facing her compatriot Jessika Ponchet, she couldn’t keep up the pace throughout the entire match.
After a fine series of three victories since the qualifications of the Open de Rouen against Emeline Dartron, Manon Leonard, and in the first round against McCartney Kessler, Fiona Ferro was set for the round of 16 this Wednesday. There she faced her compatriot, Jessika Ponchet (28 years old, world No. 146). The two players had previously faced each other three times (with two wins for Fiona Ferro).
Starting off better, Fiona Ferro took the advantage by breaking serve right away. More active, the adopted Maralpine took advantage of the numerous backhand errors by her opponent. Strong behind her first serve, she quickly took the lead (2-0). Jessika Ponchet gradually got into her match thanks to her devastating serve (six aces in the first set). Both players began implementing their variation game. The power of the Bayonnaise eventually made the difference. She broke back at (3-3) and pushed Fiona Ferro to a tie-break. The Valbonnaise, less sharp, was caught off guard by a backhand slice and saw the first set slip away four points to seven (6-7).
A high-flying second set
Jessika Ponchet showed great energy and hit her shots with increasing confidence, with her unusual but effective technique. On the other side, Fiona Ferro began to show signs of fatigue, which was logical after already playing three matches in three days. However, she didn’t give up, as usual. Against the power of her opponent serving often beyond 170 km/h, it was hard to create opportunities to take the lead. Fiona Ferro then alternated between good and not-so-good. After a solid opening service game, she conceded too many errors in the next one and was broken.
Already against the wall at (1-3) in the second set, Fiona Ferro found the right spots. More precise, she created a break-back opportunity which she converted when her opponent seemed to have slightly relaxed. After that, the match intensified, Fiona Ferro found a second wind but didn’t have the tools to counter Jessika Ponchet’s power. The latter regained her break advantage and continued to roll. Despite strong tenacity, Fiona Ferro was defeated (7-6 / 6-4) in a little over an hour and a half in this round of 16 in Rouen. Having had a good week, the Azuréenne is in the process of rebuilding after her nearly seven-month break.