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Caroline Garcia posted an emphatic win over Sloane Stephens in the second round of the San Diego Open on Wednesday. The French player, seeded second this week, opened her campaign in the Californian event with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win after almost an hour and 45 minutes of play.Garcia hit eight aces across the match and 78% of her first-serve points.
She saved all but two of the seven break points she faced while converting four break points on Stephens’ serve. She had more twice as many winners as Stephens’ – 26 to the latter’s 12 and hit 27 unforced errors to her opponent’s 13.In the deciding set, Garcia won 78% of her first-serve points and 67% points on return on the former US Open winner’s second serve.
She also converted two of three break points that came her way on Stephens’ serve while saving the lone break point, she faced.The 29-year-old who’s been inconsistent this year except for a handful of good results is now seeking to make her third semi-final this year.
She last reached that far in tournaments almost eight months ago, in February. Back at the Lyon Open and Monterrey Open, Garcia reached the semis before making it to the finals. She,…
