Liutova K. defeated Kalieva E. 7-5, 6-1 at Memphis, settling the match with sharper returning. She converted four break points and saved one of two break points she faced, while Kalieva’s four aces were not enough to keep her serve intact.
Kalieva broke in the opening game for 0-1 and again for 2-3, with Liutova replying at 1-1 and adding a break in game six at 3-4. Liutova then moved ahead with a break at 6-5 and took the first set 7-5. In the second set she broke in game one (1-0), at 4-1 and at 6-1 to close out the win.
The difference was Liutova’s return game: she won 26 return points to Kalieva’s 19, and Kalieva saved only two of six break points. Liutova also put 84% of first serves in, giving her the edge in a match where both players finished with 31 service points won.