Italian Roberta Vinci fended off countrywoman Camila Giorgi 6-4, 6-2 to reach the US Open 2013 quarterfinal for the second straight year.
Giorgi, ranked 136th and a qualifer at this Grand Slam event, had an impressive run in New York and defeated sixth-seed Caroline Wozniacki in the third round two nights ago. She seemed to have brought the momentum in the match, racing to a 4-1 lead but Vinci turned the tide around just in time.
“Of course I’m happy,” Vinci said. “I knew it was going to be a tough match. She always plays very strong, very flat, and she played her game very well today. I knew I had to change my focus when she was up 4-1. I was just thinking about my game and I’m happy to be back in the quarterfinals again.”
Vinci made a breakthrough last year in New York by reaching her first career Grand Slam quarterfinal. She lost that match to doubles partner and good friend Sara Errani.
“It’s good – Italian tennis is going up, which is nice, of course. If Flavia Pennetta wins that means an Italian girl goes to the semifinals, which is great for Italian tennis, of course. And we all play Fed Cup together and are good friends. We’re very happy right now.”
Despite the loss, Giorgi is happy with her run at the US Open 2013.
“It was two great weeks coming back from two months without playing, so I’m happy I came back to play, of course,” Giorgi said. “I played at a really good level here, and now I’m looking forward to keep going and playing more tournaments. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and we’ll see.
“I think today just wasn’t my day, but it was really nice playing here.”
