Tsvetana Pironkova faces a tough second round clash against Klara Zakopalova at the WTA Paris OpenYou can watch and bet on Pironkova v Zakopalova live for free at bet365 > live tennisTsvetana Pironkova had been expected to make an early exit in this week’s Open GDF Suez, having been drawn against French Open champion Na Li in round one. However, the Bulgarian won the first five games in her meeting with China’s only slam winner, and resisted a comeback to take the first set in a tie-breaker. With the score at 7-6(5), 3-2, Pironkova was gifted the victory as Li was forced to retire due to injury.
“At Fed Cup in Israel last week I played some good matches, which have helped my form and my confidence,” said the former Wimbledon semi-finalist after her win. “I felt pretty good coming here, and I'm glad I could show some good tennis on the court today against such a world class player.”
Pironkova will now meet Klara Zakopalova, who as the world No. 51, is ranked directly beneath her. Zakopalova cruised into the second round with a 6-3, 6-1 thrashing of wildcard entrant Alize Cornet, and she should be in a confident mood right now. That said, the last time this pairing met on a hard court, Pironkova won 6-2, 6-0 (Rome 2008). The Bulgarian might just have the upper hand here.
