Daria Saville is plotting to get inside Iga Swiatek’s head after reserving a second-round US Open date with the world No.1 and defending champion.
Saville wasted little time or vitality in dispatching American teenage wildcard Clervie Ngounoue 6-0 6-2 for her first victory in New York in 5 years.
A one-time US Open junior champion, Saville has since struggled to supply her finest tennis at Flushing Meadows, successful solely three matches in seven main-draw appearances.
“When the day started I was pretty relaxed. I don’t know why – it doesn’t really happen on day one of a grand slam,” she mentioned of her unusually straightforward day on the workplace.
“Warming up before the match I was like ‘umm, this feels like just a normal match’ and that felt nice and I think that is why I played well.”
Playing the Open on an injury-protected rating after being sidelined for greater than eight months recovering from a torn ACL, Saville is aware of she might want to discover one other degree in opposition to Swiatek on Thursday (AEST).
“Well, the biggest goal is not to get double bagelled,” mentioned the previous world No.20 who’s now ranked 322nd.
“I am excited. Hopefully we’ll get to play on the big court. When I was coming back from injuries that was like the goal – get to play on all the bigger courts at every slam and hopefully that will be ticked off.
“I believe I can nonetheless make her life very uncomfortable. I’ll simply play free and see what occurs.”
The 29-year-old is hopeful of pushing the four-time grand slam champion and says staying cool is key.
“Just play inside myself,” Saville mentioned.
“Playing in opposition to anybody ranked that top the tendency for many gamers is to try to play their finest tennis however typically that creates additional stress and also you miss extra.
“So just playing within myself and trying to enjoy the atmosphere. I might not enjoy it if I am losing. We will see.
“I believe you’ll be able to positively get in her head, she’s nonetheless a human.
“I will be excited. Right now I am excited, I like big stages. I like being seen and I’ve played some of my best matches against top-10 players.
“I imagine I can beat these gamers. Over 10 instances I’ve overwhelmed top-10 gamers and that provides me confidence.”
It will be easier said than done, but the Australian will try to play on her terms against the top seed.
“Forehand is my weapon and, when it is working, that is when I’m harmful,” Saville mentioned.
“Obviously I’ve to maneuver nicely to get to make use of my forehand however immediately I additionally served fairly nicely, hit my spots nicely. It is a part of my recreation looking forehands.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
