Pironkova has won both previous matches with relative ease and has benefited on both occasions from some sloppy serving by the Czech that has seen no more than 53% of first balls into play. That is not good enough at the higher level, and although Zakopalova has some good skills and great consistency from the back of the court, she will need to vastly improve this area of her game. She qualified in unconvincing style with narrow wins over Italian youngster Dentoni and the average Voskoboeva. Pironkova also qualified but with much more in reserve, knocking off the promising Rodina and the seasoned campaigner Castano in straight sets on both occasions. Unlike her opponent, the Bulgarian is a flat hitter and likes moving her opponent from side-to-side before going for the killer blow. She has good movement as is proven by her 67% success rate over the past few years on the dirt (Zakopalova also in high 60s) and will fancy her chances of dictating the baseline rallies here. The h2h is an even further advantage, and the fresher legs and superior talent of Tsvetana should blow the Czech girl away.
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