Eugenie Bouchard Battles Past Daria Gavrilova and Continues Remarkable Resurrection at French Open 2020

Former World No.5 Eugenie Bouchard convincingly won her second-round match at the 2020 French Open as she beat Daria Gavrilova 5-7, 6-4,6-3. This is the first time since 2014 the Canadian has gone past the second round stage at Roland Garros. In 2014, she had reached the semi-finals of the event. French Open. 

Coming into the match, Bouchard’s opponent Daria Gavrilova was high on confidence, having beaten 24th seed Dayana Yastremska. Bouchard had won her 1st round tie against Anna Kalinskaya. Gavrilova and Bouchard had played each other three times before this clash, with Bouchard leading the head-to-head 2-1. Their last meeting came way back in 2013.

Eugenie Bouchard vs Daria Gavrilova: First Set

Bouchard had a lot of winners and unforced errors in the first set. But initially, the Canadian had shaken up Gavrilova. Bouchard did get double breaks and at one point led the set 4-1. But a drop in her concentration and consistent power-hitting from Gavrilova helped the Australian win four games in a row to lead the opening set for the first time at 5-4.

Bouchard was close to losing the set but held her serve to draw level at 5-5. As the set went on, Gavrilova looked the sharper of the two. Bouchard looked like she was trying too hard towards the tail end of the set and ended up giving away points cheaply.

Bouchard was very much vulnerable on her second serve, presenting Gavrilova with a set point whoch she converted to win the first set 7-5.

Second Set

Genie Bouchard managed to get an early break again in the second set. Gavrilova caused the Canadian some problems on her serve, but Bouchard held her nerves to lead 2-0 in the second set. Bouchard was now in her groove and didn’t put a foot wrong as she broke Gavrilova for the second time in the set to lead 5-2. Gavrilova did have a late resurgence and cut Bouchard’s lead to 5-4 but then Bouchard finally won the second set 6-4.

Third Set

We witnessed a long hold from Gavrilova in the first game of the third set. And that game produced a string of great rallies. Gavrilova saved two break points to hold and lead 1-0. Bouchard missed a few sitters in the set and had to grind out some service games.

Gavrilova, throughout the match, dominated at the net with good drop shots, slices, and volleys. But Bouchard was now pouncing on everything. Gavrilova was forced to defend a lot on her serve as Bouchard fired in some great returns to break Gavrilova at 40-0 and lead 3-2.

Eugenie Bouchard was on her top form, mentally and physically, in the deciding set. The Canadian was defending and attacking with ease and finally won the match 5-7, 6-4,6-3.

With this victory, Bouchard continues her post-break form as she reaches the third round in Paris. A few weeks ago, she had reached the quarterfinals of the Prague Open and had also come to winning the Istanbul Open where she narrowly lost in the finals. She came into the main draw of French Open 2020 as a wild card entrant and looks good to go long in the Grand Slam.