R1: Hania impressed by Anahat, 3/1…

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[1] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-1 Anahat Singh (IND)  11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8 (49m)

PSA reports

World No.1 Hania El Hammamy survived a first-round scare as she battled past the in-form Indian star Anahat Singh in four games.

18-year-old Singh, the recent Indian Open champion, flew out of the blocks with her unorthodox attacking strokeplay, racing into an early 7-5 lead. However, top seed El Hammamy began to grow into the contest as she fought back to claim the first 11-8, and move through a one-sided second by an 11-5 scoreline.

At 4-0 up in the third game, El Hammamy looked to be home and dry, but Singh showed great character to claw her way back into the contest with a string of stunning winners, winning nine of the next 10 points. Despite El Hammamy bringing the scoreline back to 10-9, Singh held on to force a fourth game with a stunning game ball winner.


Singh’s deceptive attacks continued to cause El Hammamy issues as the fourth progressed, but it was the 2022 champion who held strong in the latter stages to clinch a hard-fought 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8 after 49 minutes of play.

Hania

“She played so well, for such a young age. It’s our first meeting on tour, and I know how dangerous she is. It was tricky for me to read her today.

“I’m just glad that I managed to back up after Optasia and adapt to the different glass court. So, I think it took me some time to adjust and find my length.

“I’m trying to enjoy the pressure of being World No.1 as much as I can. I’m trying to enjoy my time on court and the way I’m playing. Being at the top can easily drag you into a lot of pressure, but I’m just trying to enjoy it.”