TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open, Turkey

[54] Marcel Granollers (ESP) vs. [84] Hyeon Chung (KOR)

The clay court veteran was tested but he withstood the challenge from his teenage opponent.  Granollers had to bring his best stuff because memories of losing last year to Chung were probably still fresh in his mind.  Chung had opportunities but the lack of experience showed against a crafty player like Granollers.  He used spin, slice and drop shots to confuse his opponent and Chung did not make the adjustment.  Despite breaking back, Chung never seemed comfortable on the clay.  Granollers won 6-3, 6-4.  He will be tested tomorrow when he meets the big serving Croat, Ivo Karlovic. They have never played on clay and they are tied 1:1; will Granollers have the advantage on clay?

KUZNETSOVA BATTLES BACK TO DEFEAT PUIG

J&T Banka Prague Open, Czech Republic

[13] Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. [63] Monica Puig (PUR)

Despite winning the first set and having the momentum on her side in the deciding set, Puig could not maintain her lead.  All the hard work to get to a winning position was for nought.  The confidence of winning multiple titles and two Majors came to Kuznetsova’s rescue.  She shrugged off the loss of the first set and never seemed troubled by the ferocious winners coming from her opponent.  Puig on the other hand was clearly anxious; perhaps the prospect of avenging her rather easy loss to Kuznetsova earlier this year overwhelmed her.  Kuznetsova won 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 and will face Samantha Stosur in the semifinals.  Kuznetsova has won both meetings on clay; will she make it a third victory tomorrow?