Former US Open champion Sam Stosur is turning it up at the right time, knocking off Eugenie Bouchard at the Connecticut Open just days out from the start of her latest campaign at Flushing Meadows.
Stosur made quick work of the world no.8 in the second round of the New Haven tournament, cruising to a 6-2 6-2 victory against a possibly questionable Bouchard, who played with a strapped left thigh.
Backed by her powerful service game, Stosur produced four aces in the opening set to help launch an all-court assault where she played aggressively to the net, winning nine of 10 forecourt points.
“I think I had to come out here and play aggressive and try and serve well and just play the way I know I can play. (Bouchard) likes to stay on the baseline and play hard and do all that, so you’ve got to do that to her first,” Stosur said.
The 30-year-old Stosur has been building form in recent weeks and is looking to end the massive slump that has haunted her since winning the 2011 US Open with tomorrow morning marking Stosur’s first quarter-final appearance since her season debut in Hobart.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Stosur said. “The last few weeks I’ve been playing a lot better. I’m pleased with the way I’ve been playing. It’s back-to-back wins for a first time in a while.”
“I’m hoping it’s something to build on continually, not just this week or next week. I feel like things are starting to turn for me, which is a nice feeling.”
Stosur will take on world no.47 Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in the third round.
Also on Thursday, Serena Williams was named the US Open’s top seed while Stosur and Casey Dellacqua were named 24th and 29th respectively.
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