2024-08-27 18:09:36
Bolt’s jump in the rankings follows a strong 18 months in which she has stayed fit and used her powerful game to cause problems for opponents.
Now she aims to hit another ceiling and reach the second week of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.
But heading into the U.S. Open, Bolt admitted she wasn’t prepared for the hard courts because she competed in the Paris Olympics, which were held on clay.
The experience meant she played just three full games on hard courts before starting the campaign at Flushing Meadows.
In contrast, Sasnovich did not drop a set in the qualifying round and performed well in the competition.
The difference was evident in the first set, as Bolt struggled on her first serve and paid the price as she was broken three times, which culminated in her efforts to twice receive Sasnovich’s unorthodox serve. All previous efforts were wasted.
The Belarusian’s movements are eye-catching. He raises his serving arm high before throwing the ball and assumes the posture of a flamenco dancer. He looks awkward and lacks ferocity.
Bolt broke again on her first try of the second set and that, along with a more consistent serve, got the Brit through the second set.
After holding on to the break point and chasing the score to 5-2, Bolt once again caught the opponent’s serve and established the decisive set.
Bolt had to survive a testing first game, saving four break points to maintain and demoralize Sasnovich before confidently finishing the final five games.
“I thought I played really well, but she reacted very quickly in the first set,” Bolt said.
“I tried to regroup and play better second and third, and I’m proud that I was able to stay in there and bring a good level to the field.”
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#Bolt #reaches #Open #fight
