Dominika Cibulkova has sent top seed Agnieszka Radwanska crashing out of the Aegon International Eastbourne, coming through despite two days of rain delays to set up a semi-final with Monica Puig.
Cibulkova fought her way through 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 and will be back on court later on Friday to face Puig. “I’m so happy about that. We’ve played so many matches, but the first on grass,” said the Slovakian.
“They were extremely difficult conditions with the rain delays but with every stop, I came back stronger and stronger. That’s why I was able to come through that and win. I need to recover but I’m looking forward to the next match.”
They were extremely difficult conditions with the rain delays
Radwanska utilised her variety of shot making and prowess at the net to lead 6-4, 3-2, saving six of seven break point chances, before torrential storms swept across Devonshire Park on Thursday.
Returning to Centre Court on Friday, Cibulkova appeared re-energised and was eager to snatch the initiative.
The former Australian Open finalist trailed 7-4 in their head-to-head record but was the victor in three sets in their last meeting on clay in Madrid.
That scoreline was repeated on the Eastbourne turf as the world No.21 broke immediately and wrestled the second set tie-break 7-2 courtesy of some effective serving and magnificent drop shots.
The momentum was well and truly with Cibulkova having fended off two break points at 1-2 in the decider.
A bullet inside out forehand secured a pivotal break for 4-3 and a sumptuous backhand slice over the net post chalked up a telling 5-3 lead with three hours on the match clock.
Minutes later, Radwanska couldn’t smother a Cibulkova forehand as the No.12 seed raised her arms in victory.
“Well, it's always a good match, but I don't think I was playing good enough today,” said Radwanska who was eager not to blame the turbulent weather for losing her momentum.
“I think she was playing really aggressive, good tennis. I think I step backwards a little bit too much and I was serving much better yesterday. Today I think I was too defensive and didn't really find my rhythm today.”
However, the world No.3 said she is pleased with her grass court preparation. “Of course, it's always disappointing when you lose, and especially that type of long match. Well, what can you do? I'm healthy. I'm good. I’m ready for Wimbledon.”
Radwanska will play Ukraine’s Kateryna Kozlova in her opening match at The Championships, while Cibulkova will face Mirjana Lucic-Baroni from Croatia.
