Photo : Abierto Zapopan
In her semi-final at the Abierto Zapopan in Guadalajara, Mexico, Genie Bouchard efficiently disposed of Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy in two sets 6-2, 7-6(2) to claim a spot in a WTA final for the first time since September 2020 in Istanbul.
The Quebecer started strong right out of the gate, breaking her opponent twice and dictating the rhythm. She hit with confidence and won over 80% of her first-serve points. For Cocciaretto, the showdown was an entirely different story. Clearly limited by a thigh strain, she was inconsistent and had trouble getting her bearings. Even after a medical timeout when she was down 3-2, she was unable to regain her composure and handed the first set to Bouchard.
But Cocciaretto came roaring back in the second set. She played much more decisively to win her first service game and then forced Genie to fight off three break points to tie things up. The rivals battled and exchanged breaks until the set came to a close in a tiebreaker. Bouchard stood firm to secure the win at 7-2. She continues to build on her momentum and hasn’t dropped a set since her first-round match.
The Canadian star, who will be competing in her eighth final, now has the chance to take home a second WTA title. She earned her first in 2014 in Nuremberg, Germany, where she overpowered Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic in three sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. If she wins, Bouchard will earn her very first hardcourt title, which she came close to collecting in Kuala Lumpur in 2016.
Waiting in the wings will be the winner of the duel between Marie Bouzkova (No. 2) and Sara Sorribes Tormo (No. 4), who are both seeking their first title.
