The blow didn’t go far but the step proved too high for Diane Parry. Opposed Thursday to Beatriz Haddad Maia (13th in the world and seeded 11), the Frenchwoman (54th) lost in the second round of the WTA 1000 in Miami 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, in 2h20. She was unable to convert the opportunities she had at the start of the second set and in the heart of the third.
However, she mastered the first round perfectly. Her changes of pace and her forehand slaps destabilized the 27-year-old Brazilian, who seemed very hesitant. Thirty-one minutes was enough for Parry to lead 6-3, without ever giving the impression of overplaying.
Three missed opportunities in the last round
But she let two break points slip away in the first game of the second set. From 1-1, Haddad Maia was more aggressive. She pocketed the next five games. Only a fifteen-minute suspension of play, due to a downpour, managed to temporarily halt its momentum (6-1).
Parry had three more chances in the final set. Two to 2-1 in his favor. And one, while trailing 4-3, break. But she was unable to grasp them. Solid in service, Haddad Maia concluded the game with a shutout. It is she who will face Katie Boulter (30th) in the third round, victorious over Brenda Fruhvirtova (105th) by abandonment (7-6). [5]1-0, ab.).
