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AUCKLAND

Eugenie Bouchard’s impressive run at the ASB Classic in Auckland was brought to an end thanks to a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 defeat to third-seeded Amanda Anisimova of the United States.

The 25-year-old entered the match having won the previous two rounds against former World No. 13 and 2013 Wimbledon semi-finalist Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium and No. 46-ranked Caroline Garcia of France respectively.

Against Anisimova (No. 25), Bouchard dropped her serve twice in the first set and couldn’t capitalize on the two break point opportunities she manufactured for herself. That meant her American opponent was fairly comfortable on her way to claiming it 6-2.

A hectic second set included six breaks of serve – four of which came consecutively. Fortunately, this time the majority were in Bouchard’s favour as she levelled things up at one set-all thanks to a 6-3 victory.

The third and deciding set started where the second had left off. Four consecutive breaks of serve ensured the players were level at two-all after four games. And it wasn’t until the ninth game that the decisive breakthrough came for Anisimova.

The 18-year-old from Freehold, NJ eventually found a way past Bouchard’s staunch defence after the Canadian had denied her on three previous break point opportunities. Having secured the crucial break, Anisimova served out the final game, and the match, to advance to the semi-finals.

(Feature photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

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