Tennis: Mattek-Sands digs deep in Charleston

Bethanie Mattek-Sands had a long wait before she could declare a win against Anastasia Rodionova in the first round of the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, according to Sky Sports. The 28-year-old Mattek-Sands had to battle it out for three hours and 42 minutes and had to save match point before finally edging out Rodionova 6-4 6-7 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3). Mattek-Sands, who will now face world number 16 Sloane Stephens, told the Women’s Tennis Association’s official website: “I don’t think I’ve ever played a match that long. The good thing is I showed myself I can last out there and just grind it out.” Meanwhile, Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone took a surprising loss of 3-6 6-4 7-6 (8-6) at the hands of Silvia Soler-Espinosa. World number one Serena Williams will also be in the bid for the Charleston crown, having last won it in 2008.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2013.