First match of the day on Rod Laver Arena occurred with the roof closed as Garbiñe Muguruza took on Barbora Strycova for a place in the round of 16. A supposedly comfortable match for the third seed, turned out to be otherwise. Muguruza with all the errors as Strycova played a great match to record an impressive 6-3, 6-2 win. Strycova knocking out another seed after her win over Caroline Garcia.
Strycova Played Well Amidst Errors From Muguruza
The Spaniard started off well to earn break point in the first game. But Strycova hung on to get onto the board. And Strycova created break points for her own after an error from Muguruza. And she capitalized with a forehand winner. The third seed however followed it up with break point for herself and got back into the match on serve at 1-2.
Strycova continued her aggressive play which had Muguruza even trying a drop shot only to see it fail presenting break point back to Strycova. The Czech capitalized pouncing on Muguruza's second serve to go 3-1 up. Subsequent four games went on serve with the score at 5-3. Strycova earns two set points and gets it done on the second try closing out the set 6-3 in 38 minutes.
Muguruza Had No Answers
The second set followed in a similar fashion. Muguruza clearly frustrated with her game as she continued with her errors allowing Strycova to break on the get go. The Spaniard coming up with break point with a down the line winner. Muguruza gave her all but Strycova was able to handle all that came her way and consolidated the break to lead 2-0.
The third seed does well to get a love hold game. Strycova continued with a hold as well. Muguruza went for alot of down the line winners but they mostly ended up in errors. The Czech making Muguruza pay for her errors once more as she broke in the seventh game to extend her lead to 5-2.
Strycova now more comfortable as she starts the game with an ace. Calm and composed, the Czech completes the upset over the third seed 6-3 6-2 in 76 minutes. According to ESPN, with Muguruza, the third seed out, it is the first time at the Australian Open that two of the top three seeds are out before the fourth round.
She next faces Victoria Azarenka who dispatched her opponent in straight sets.
Match Statistics
Strycova with better serves winning 74 percent of her them while Muguruza won 67 percent of them. The third seed won fewer of her second serves as well.
The winner count may be more for the Spaniard at 21 compared to Strycova's 15, but Muguruza's 32 unforced errors just not cutting it. The Czech hit half of that in contrast.
Strycova was also very successful in break point conversion at four out of four. The Spaniard only able to capitalize on one occasion out of five chances.