Defending champion Serena Williams barged into the second round of the 2016 French Open with a convincing straight-sets victory over Magdalena Rybarikova. She will look to continue her excellent form when she faces Teliana Pereira in an intriguing round-of-64 clash today.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this blockbuster matchup. While you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the second-round match between Novak Djokovic and Steve Darcis.
Serena Williams’ bid for a fourth French Open crown remains right on track after recording a resounding 6-2, 6-0 win over Magdalena Rybarikova in the first round on Tuesday. It was a fantastic performance by the world no. 1 who needed just 42 minutes to produce the straight-sets victory. With the win, Williams booked a place in the second round of the French Open for the 14th time in her career.
Williams, who notched her second career victory against Rybarikova, blasted 25 winners and won 88 percent of her first serve points. What proved to be the difference in the match, however, was Serena’s highly-efficient play. She committed just five unforced errors against Rybarikova.
Waiting in the next round for Williams is the talented Teliana Pereira. This will be the first meeting between Williams and Pereira in the WTA Tour. For Williams to defeat Pereira, she will need to continue her excellent play on the receiving end. She converted six of her 12 break point opportunities in the opening round.
Teliana Pereira stormed into the second round of the French Open with a gritty 7-5, 3-6, 9-7 win over Kristyna Pliskova. It was a remarkable performance from the 27-year-old who needed two hours and 26 minutes to hack out the marathon win. With the victory, Pereira is through to the round of 64 at Roland Garros for the third consecutive year.
Things are bound to get tougher, though, for Pereira as standing in her way in the next round is 21-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. For Pereira to record a major shock in the next round, the Brazilian needs to get her service game going quickly. Pereira’s serve was solid against Pliskova as she converted 79 percent of her first serves. Pereira took full advantage of that fact, winning 60 of her 95 first serve points for a 63 percent clip.
It’s also crucial for Pereira that she impose her aggressive style against Williams. She won 20 of her 29 net points against Pliskova in the previous round.
Pereira is 3-7 in her last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Williams (-5,000) destroys Pereira in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.
