The qualifications for the Madrid Masters 1000 have already ended for Fiona Ferro. A missed opportunity for the Azuréenne a little over a month before the start of Roland-Garros.
In this first round of qualifications for the Madrid Masters 1000, Fiona Ferro faced off against the young Russian Maria Timofeeva (20 years old, ranked 99th in the world). A player who represents the future of Russian tennis.
Like last week in Rouen against another young Russian, the match was tight. Trailing throughout the first set, the Valbonnaise by adoption made a comeback at the end of the set. Stronger in the key moments of the match, Timofeeva eventually broke the Frenchwoman, who failed to save any break points (0/3). The first set thus went to the Russian (7-5).
The follow-up was much more encouraging from Fiona Ferro, who managed to increase her intensity in this encounter. With a double break under her belt, she allowed herself to believe once again. With a clenched fist, she took the second set (6-3).
But it was without counting on the reaction of Maria Timofeeva, who despite her young age, did not panic. The beginning of the final set was very balanced. Neither player put themselves in danger. It seemed as though they were heading towards a tiebreak. This was the moment the Moscow native chose to accelerate her game. Surprised, Fiona Ferro suffered a white break and then let the match slip away. Frustrating for the Frenchwoman, who had a good chance to play well considering the second set.
Fiona Ferro eventually succumbed (7-5/3-6/6-2) in a little over two hours. Now she will have to work hard to try to break into the Top 100, which is synonymous with qualification for the French Open.