Pavlyuchenkova, 33, is a three-time Australian Open quarterfinalist, and today played with an obvious comfort in Melbourne Park. Siegemund, playing with house money but still an ultra-fit, crafty player, tried to disrupt Pavlyuchenkova by any means necessary. But for the most part, she found herself on the run thanks to her opponent’s overwhelming artillery.
“She is very tricky opponent, such a good fighter,” said Pavlyuchenkova. “I just wanted to stay to the end with my game plan.”
Trailing 1-3 in the second set, the world feed commentator observed Siegemund as “rushing between the points and rushing the rally,” which is saying something considering the German’s deliberate service motion.
Siegemund struck 30 unforced errors to only 10 winners. She won one of seven second-serve points in the first set, and just two of 13 overall. She was, if I may, under siege.
