Leduc and Robillard-Millette in action tomorrow night
After reaching the Saguenay National Bank Challenger semifinals in 2007, Aleksandra Wozniak (Blainville, QC) made her much-anticipated return on Tuesday night in front of a packed house. Despite her best efforts, the former world no. 21 was defeated in three sets.
Wozniak went up against world no. 326 Quirine Lemoine of the Netherlands. The two players contested a tight first set before Lemoine came through in a tiebreak. Wozniak jumped out to a big lead in the second set to force a decisive third frame. Multiple service breaks were traded between the two until Lemoine lifted her game to come away with a 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3 victory.
“I know that the road back is going to be a long one and playing matches is the only way I am going to adapt and continue progressing,” Wozniak said after the match. “I can take some positives from this match, but there are things that I need to work on, especially my serve.”
In an all-Canadian first round matchup, Sharon Fichman (Toronto, ON) defeated up and coming Isabelle Boulais (Mississauga, ON) 6-3, 7-5. Currently ranked no. 347 in the world, Fichman is trying to finish the season on a high note after dealing with several different injuries this year. The 24-year-old will face American qualifier Nadja Gilchrist in the second round.
Two Canadian prospects will be in action on Wednesday night in Saguenay. Marie-Alexandre Leduc (Jonquière, QC) will take on Shahar Peer of Israel. Charlotte Robillard-Millette (Blainville, QC) will finish the evening against American Ellie Halbauer.
