After a Set Down: Perelygina Reaches Kitzbühel Round of 16

Ekaterina Perelygina has reached the round of 16 at the WTA 125 tournament in Kitzbühel.

The ÖTV talent, who entered the main draw with a wildcard, defeated Yasmine Kabbaj (MAR) 2:6, 6:4, 6:3 after being a set down.

The match started exactly to the liking of the Lower Austrian: The 19-year-old broke her opponent in the very first game, but the Moroccan immediately broke back.

With Kabbaj leading 3:2, the Russian-born player had to surrender her serve again, and with another break, the first set ultimately went to Kabbaj 2:6.

Perelygina Levels the Match with Strong Second Set

A similar pattern emerged in the second set: Perelygina once again broke the world No. 271, but again failed to consolidate the break.

However, the newly crowned national champion remained unfazed this time, securing another break and then confirming it.

The Lower Austrian then played brilliantly, repeatedly forcing her opponent into long service games – after another break, she did concede an immediate rebreak, but then served out to level the match.

All-ÖTV Clash in the Round of 16

As before, the ÖTV youngster broke Kabbaj's first service game in the decisive set, but this time Perelygina immediately followed up.

The world No. 558 did not relinquish the break advantage, as the 19-year-old secured the third set with a break for 6:3 and advanced to the round of 16.

There, she will face an all-ÖTV clash against Julia Grabher, who won her tough three-set battle against Romanian Elena Ruxandra Bertea (to the match report >>>).