MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Maverick Sabine Lisikci is riding well on the momentum of her Canadian Open women's singles conquest.
The German markswoman weathered Barbora Strycova in two salvos--including a gritty first set--to punch her ticket deeper in the Rogers Cup in Toronto, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Despite going the distance in the first set, Lisicki only needed an hour and 48 minutes to eliminate her Czech opponent.
Well...it wasn't the prettiest match but good fight! Happy to be through!! #fighting #windy #likeahurricane pic.twitter.com/BzzabPAYqq
— Sabine Lisicki (@sabinelisicki) August 12, 2015 Outgunned in break points saved, the 25-year-old Lisicki, who carved a career off her service and aces, won 68% of her second return points to trump the 29-year-old Strycova.
The Philippine Maverick, ranked 24th in the WTA, is off to a hot start after showing former World No. 1 Venus Williams the door in the first round.
The lefty Lisicki mounted a brilliant showing at the expense of Williams, 6-0, 6-3.
Her latest prey, right-handed Strycova, is 37th in the WTA ladder.
Lisicki is due for a third-round dance with Belinda Bencic who got rid of Caroline Wozniacki, 7-5, 7-5.
The two have met just recently in Birmingham where the Maverick emerged victorious in two sets.
Lisicki has won two straight since losing to Kimiko Date-Krumm in Stanfrod. She is expected to join Venus' sister Serena Williams here for the International Premier Tennis League in December.