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Both exploited the problems of their opponents

Eraković was behind 4-0 against Errani in the first set, but then won 12 of the remaining 13 games in the match. Dellacqua was a set behind against Lisicki, with her opponent also having a break in the second. However, she waited for her chances and capitalized on Lisicki's errors in the third set, as she struggled with shoulder issues

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After losing to Vesnina at the US Open Eraković spoke of mental strength, saying she was not her best in matches where mental strength decided the outcome. All that, coupled with a poor season of course, was not a good overture for the match against Errani, as it's well known how much she gets the worst out of her opponents.

- Errani is an excellent player, a true fighter, and I had to play my best tennis today- said Eraković after the match.

Errani opened the match with a 4-0 lead, saving four break points in the third game, which made the start of the match seem like a great scenario for Errani. She waited for her chances, Eraković made too many mistakes, and the lead did not surprise anyone, as it lead to yet another disastrous performance from Errani's opponents. However, after those few starting games, Eraković seems to have found her rhythm, as well as an answer to Errani's game, stepping up to the net, being aggressive and taking advantage of the more shallow shots her opponents played. All this resulted in her winning 12 of the last 13 games of the match, including six in a row to win the first set.

- I feel very, very well. I really had to give it all I had against a very good opponent and I think today we had a quality match. I like coming to Japan and I'd like to thank all the viewers for staying up late and watching the match- added Eraković.

Errani played a disastrous match, with too many mistakes by her standards. Last year she said the conditions here dont suit her due to the speed of the surface, but her performance was still terrible. She did not even try to change her tactics during the match, instead constantly pushing the same style. Eraković knew how to take advantage of that, imposing her rhythm after the initial setbacks and rightfully won a decisive victory.

Dellacqua can be very pleased with the season she's had so far. She reached her career best ranking and stated that this is the crucial moment for her to stabilize her ranking in the Top 30. She added she only needed to continue playing the tennis she already did for the biggest part of this season. Here she was paired with Lisicki in the first match, a player who won her first title since 2011 the previous week. The German selector pointed out that the title should bring her additional confidence, and we all know what she's capable of when she is confident in her own abilities.

Lisicki led by a set, and had an early break in the second set. She had three tied break points in the fifth game for a double break, which would practically decide the match. She failed to use them, but kept the break advantage up tot he tenth game and the match serve. Lisicki won the first point of that game, and lost the four remaining ones. She lost her serve once again two games later on, which meant the set as well. Dellacqua won an early break in the third set, saved four break points (two in a row) in the fifth game, and won a great victory in the end.

Dellacqua did a great job in taking advantage of what was obviously fatigue on Lisicki's part after winning the title last week in difficult Hong Kong conditions. Lisicki did not play well the entire match, Dellacqua waited for her chances and knew how to use them. She forced Lisicki to make quite a few mistakes, forcing her to move more, and she also had the advantage of the fact that after losing seven games in a row Lisicki asked for a physiotherapist in the third set, due to shoulder issues.