R2: Good third game for Melissa against Queen Nour

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[2] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) 3-0 Melissa Alves (FRA)  11-3, 11-3, 11-7 (30m)

To be honest, it was a match of two halves: first two games, Melissa was not able to create much incidence on the match.

It changed in the third game, we were point for point, and the rallies latest much longer. Melissa left everything on there, run a heck of a lot and retrieved even more! But Nour was on cloud 9 today, accurate and fast, relaxed…

Unbeatable, to be honest…

Melissa : She didn’t give anything away…

Without trying to make excuses, when you’ve played that many times in those conditions — glass court, wind, outdoors — you know how to adapt. Me, I struggled. My shots, my game, against the best player in the world — I have to adjust everything.

You can see I’m getting used to the court, it’s getting better and better as the match goes on… And I don’t think I can say I played badly… but with what little I had, I needed to be much more incisive, and I just couldn’t manage it. Even at the end, on the last point, I can see the opportunities I’m creating, but it’s not the same playing with the wind and all that. I need to adapt better.

Honestly, I don’t think I have anything to blame myself for — I played someone stronger today. To have played a better match, I would have needed different conditions, conditions I’m more comfortable with, so I could play my game better.

As for her — well, we’re not going to go over her whole record again — but honestly, it’s hard for me to feel disappointed, even after a proper beating. I mean, I go out there, I play the best player in the world — so you think you can beat her? Be my guest!!

Nour : “I’m happy with my performance, Melissa is a really good player. I’m really pleased with how I played and how I started tonight.

“I’ve been playing this sport for many years now and sometimes you just need to adjust to the glass court. After the first few points you definitely get used to it.

“Siva is another great player. She’s doing her best season so far, so definitely will be a tough match. I’ll have a good rest and be ready for that match.”