Yang beaten by former world number 5 in ASB Classic qualifying

New Zealand wildcard Vivian Yang has been beaten in straight sets by veteran Italian Sara Errani in their first round qualifying match at Auckland’s ASB Classic.

The 17-year-old Kiwi left-hander fought valiantly against the former world number 5 ranked Italian before losing 6-1 6-4 in an hour and 13 minutes.

“Really good credit to her because she played very well and made it tough for me but I am proud of the way I fought out there and the responses I showed her. There’s a long journey ahead of me so it’s all part of the learning process.” Yang said.

The Italian converted two of four break points in the first set to take the opener in 35 minutes. It was a different story in the second set as Yang took it to her vastly more experienced opponent. Errani was able to get the first break of serve to lead 3-2 but it was short-lived as Yang forced three break points in the Italian’s next service game. While Errani saved the first two she couldn’t stave off the third and games were back on serve.

Errani showed her class in the next game keeping Yang pinned deep behind the baseline and dictating the rallies as she immediately reclaimed the break and then held for 5-3. But Yang held firm in the next game forcing Errani to serve for the match. The Italian did just that before Yang on the back of some aggressive returning had her opponent 15-30. Errani steadied the ship and was able to close out the match and a place in Sunday’s final qualifying round.

Yang felt she would learn a lot from the match.

“There’s a lot of physical work ons for me and the mental approach on big points staying with a high-level player, hanging in there and making them play the good shot at the end.” Yang said.

Yang will stay in Auckland for the next week and hope to practice with some of the top 100 ranked players in the city for the WTA tournament.