A. Korneeva defeated T. Valentova 7-5, 6-3 at the WTA Athens event, winning on the back of superior serving and break-point efficiency. The Russian converted 5 of 9 break chances, while Valentova managed just 4 of 13. Korneeva also held a clear edge on first serve, landing 67% and winning 59% of those points against 53% for her opponent.
The first set featured seven breaks of serve. Valentova broke first for 1-0, but Korneeva responded immediately and then twice more, leading 4-2. Though Valentova twice pulled back to level (3-4 and 4-5), Korneeva broke again at 5-5 to seal the opener 7-5. In the second set, Valentova broke for 1-0, but Korneeva broke straight back and then broke decisively at 3-5 to close out the match.
Korneeva's ability to capitalise under pressure proved decisive: she saved only 42% of break points faced but won 56% of return points overall, while Valentova's five double faults and 0 aces undermined her service games.