[Women’s Singles – First Round]
Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-3, 6-1 Mai Hontama (JPN)

■The score did not fully reflect how closely contested the match was. Hontama got off to a strong start, taking a 3-1 lead by applying pressure in rallies and consistently finishing off points with volleys and groundstrokes. However, as Hontama explained, “My opponent started getting used to that style of play, and from there, I began playing on her terms. I also started forcing things a little.” Even when Hontama managed to construct attacking opportunities, Golubic found ways to escape pressure with slices and high-arching shots. Hontama increasingly tried to force the issue, and the unforced errors started mounting as the points gradually slipped away.

■Golubic effectively mixed high-arching shots with quick strikes, increasingly catching Hontama off guard. “There were quite a few moments when I was caught by surprise,” Hontama said. Frustrated by the way the match was unfolding, she admitted, “I was feeling quite rushed.” Although her level of play was reasonably solid, she became too focused on the thought that things were not going her way. This mental pressure led to growing uncertainty and resulted in a vicious cycle.

■Once the match was over and she had regained her composure, Hontama was able to identify what she needed to work on. “The match was actually very competitive in terms of the quality of play, so I need to make sure I win those crucial points, keep believing in what I’m doing, and stick with it until the very end.” Despite the decisive defeat, the fact that she had been able to execute her game plan to a certain extent made the areas for improvement and the differences between the two players clearer. Although it was not a performance she could consider satisfactory, the match gave her a tangible sense of progress: “My game has improved a lot” she said.

(Japan Tennis Association)