Marino advances in Monterrey Open after big battle

MONTERREY, Mexico – Rebecca Marino of North Vancouver has advanced to the second round of the Monterrey Open, but not without an intense battle.

Marino bounced Fernanda Contreras Gomez of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in a WTA 250 women’s singles match on Monday night that took one hour, 42 minutes to play.

The 32-year-old Canadian had 11 aces during the intense match compared to her 25-year-old opponent’s four.

Marino had four double faults, won 55 points with serve and 26 while returning. Both players won 11 games while serving, but Marino won three games while returning compared to only one for Contreras Gomez.

Marino will now face fifth-seeded Lin Zhu of China, who beat Anna Bondar of Hungary 6-4, 7-6(4) earlier in the day.

The hard-court tournament runs until Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2023.