French Open 2011: Miss Swiss Patty Schnyder Falls to Romanian Sorana Cirstea

Newly minted 21-year-old Romanian Sorana Cirstea, has been a professional tennis player for a few years on (2006), and faces veteran Swiss Patty Schnyder in the first round.

She may be in the twilight of her career. With 11 championships to her credit, she also finished runner-up 16 times. While Cirstea is only 21, she seemed quite sure footed on the brushed brick of Roland-Garros.

Married for several years now, I’d be guessing to say Schnyder wants to spend more time with her family. Gifted and brilliant, and with athletic prowess, Schnyder has always appeared a kind and gentle soul. 

Beginning the match, Cirstea won the toss for serve. She started off by lengthening the court with her powerful and penetrating ground strokes. Only problem was she was missing too short or too deep as Schnyder took a 40-0 lead with three break points in the first game.

Cirstea’s retort brings the game score right back to deuce, and she secures the game. You might be surprised at the display of mental toughness for Cirstea, maybe like a Maria Sharapova.

Perhaps this means Sorana could be around for a long time on the tour, much like her opponent on the other side of the net, “Miss Swiss” Patty Schnyder (ESPN3 play-by-play analyst).

Cirstea came out of the blocks quickly and reached a double break point, which was subsequently converted in the second game of the set for Sorana. Cirstea went on to hold for the third game of the set, 3-0.  

Although Schnyder approached the net with an advantage, Cirstea leveled it to deuce with a scorching passing shot down the line. Deuces equaled three in this fourth game with a break for Cirstea.

Following, Schnyder held her serve. Both Schnyder and Cirstea amped up the pace and weight of ground strokes. Soon Schnyder came with a double break point. 

Cirstea cut it to one break point, but to no avail, Schnyder secures the game. Next game on, Cirstea has an advantage and culminates the set score, 4-1.

Cirstea broke for a second time at love and is proceeded to serving to close out the set. She later served out the set 6-1.

Cirstea managed one more break of serve to close out the second set 6-3. Since 2008, Cirstea has been in the top 100, one time falling short at the end of the year 2007 at No.106.

Schnyder has been within the top 100 since 1996. Match final score 6-1, 6-3 for Cirstea.