Peyton Stearns sends a clear signal to all the other contenders of the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren.
The American defeated the number 9 seed and former world number 14 Petra Martic 6-3 0-6 6-2, gaining access to the quarter-finals of the WTA 125 organized by MEF Tennis Events and Tennis Club Parma. Mayar Sherif’s journey also continued on the Grandstand: the Egyptian got the better of Susan Bandecchi 6-3 7-5, giving herself a place among the best eight. The program on Thursday 16 May will begin at 11.30 on the two main courts of the Emilian club, with the 4th seed Anna Karolina Schmiedlova playing against Jesika Maleckova in the first match of the day.
Stearns’ secrets, from Zebre to Italian food – After only two weeks of work, the results of the first training sessions with the new coach Tom Hill (former coach of Maria Sakkari) are already starting to be seen. Peyton Stearns earned a pass to the quarterfinals of the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren after beating former world no.14 Petra Martic in a rollercoaster of emotions on the Central Court of TC Parma. The American, former WTA n.42 (now n.82 in the rankings) played an excellent first and third set, but only collected five points in the entire second set. “I’m happy with this result – she explained after the match –, even if in the second set I had a significant drop in energy which fortunately didn’t stop me from winning”. In addition to the mother and the new coach Tom Hill (former coach of Maria Sakkari and two-time winner of the ‘coach of the year’ award), Ratko Jelic and Simone Gesi of Zebre di Parma were also present in the stands, ready to support the Cincinnati tennis player : “I was pleased to see them in the stands, we greeted each other immediately after the match and I asked him to come and watch the next one and any other matches if I continue. In return I will go to watch their next official match, on May 17th. The secret of this victory? Probably Italian food.” Stearns will now face Renata Zarazua, who benefited from the withdrawal of wild card Ajla Tomljanovic, for a place in the semi-finals.
Sherif forward without hesitation – Despite the tiredness of the many close commitments, Mayar Sherif has no intention of stopping. The champion of the 2022 tournament beat the Swiss Susan Bandecchi 6-3 7-5 in a match fragmented by the rain that hit the Parma Tennis Club in the evening. The Egyptian will face Kamilla Rakhimova, who beat the Australian Daria Saville in two sets (6-4 7-5).
Results for Wednesday 15 May
Round of 16
Peyton Stearns b. Petra Martic (9) 6-3 0-6 6-2
Renata Zarazua b. Ajla Tomljanovic (WC) 3-0 ret.
Kamilla Rakhimova b. Daria Saville 6-4 7-5
Mayar Sherif (8) b. Susan Bandecchi (Q) 6-3 7-5
Jesika Maleckova (Q) b. Emiliana Arango 7-5 return.
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (4) b. Giorgia Pedone (WC) 6-3 6-0
Jule Niemeier b. Ankita Raina 6-1 6-3
Zeynep Sonmez b. Anastasiya Soboleva 6-1 4-6 7-5
