Isabella Kruger knocked out in the second round of the 2023 Ilana Kloss International
Kruger loses in second round in Tshwane
Top-ranked South African player, Isabella Kruger, was knocked out in the second round of the Ilana Kloss International, a $25,000 ITF prize-money event, on Thursday by Israel's number four seed Lina Glushko, but not without a fight.
Glushko, 23, advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Kruger in three sets, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, in a match that spanned two hours and 27 minutes.
Kruger, the last South African left in the tournament, was playing in her first tournament since November 2022.
"Today was a tough match, but I'm really happy to be able to compete again; I competed here last year, and it was a good experience, so hopefully the next week will be a good week for me as well," Kruger said.
"I had a great time playing in my home city. I am always grateful to be able to compete in tournaments in my own country rather than having to travel abroad.
The Pretoria-born Kruger, the daughter of late Bulls and Springbok legend Ruben Kruger, believes that these types of tournaments are essential for local players.
"These tournaments are great for South African players to watch and compete against international players.
"It's also beneficial that the matches are broadcast on television to increase exposure for the sport," Kruger added.
Glushko dominated the first set, winning it 6-1, but Kruger fought back in the second. The 17-year-old Kruger won the set in a tiebreak after a long battle in the second set.
The Israeli world No. 245 took control of the final set and proved too strong for Kruger, winning it 6-2.
In the last eight stage, Glushko will face sixth seed Alice Robbe. Robbe defeated Tilwith Di Girolami of Belgium 6-3, 6-2.
In other action, Japanese second seed Mai Hontama defeated French qualifier Manon Leonard 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals, where she will face American eighth seed Emina Bektas.
In another match, Lulu Sun of Switzerland defeated Timea Babos of Hungary, a former world No. 1 doubles player and four-time Grand Slam champion, 6-3, 6-4. The Swiss will face Alina Korneeva of Russia, who defeated Bulgarian Isabella Shinikova in straight sets.
Jenny Duerst of Switzerland also advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating seventh seed Cengiz Berfu of Turkey 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3, to meet world No.2 junior Sofia Costoulas.
Action at the TuksTennis Club, University of Pretoria will continue on Friday with the start of singles matches at 10h00am. Entry to the event is free, and spectators are encouraged to come and watch the matches.
SECOND ROUND RESULTS
[2] Mai Hontama (JPN) bt Manon Leonard (FRA) 6-3, 6-4
[4] Lina Glushko (ISR) bt Isabella Kruger (RSA) 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2
[5] Lulu Sun (SUI) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-3, 6-4
[6] Alice Robbe (FRA) bt Tilwith Di Girolami (BEL) 6-3, 6-2
Jenny Duerst (SUI) bt [7] Berfu Cengiz (TUR) 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3
Emina Bektas (USA) [8] bt Georgina Garcia-Perez (ESP) 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-2
Sofia Costoulas (BEL) bt Alice Tubello (FRA) 6-2, 6-2
Alina Korneeva (RUS) bt Isabella Shinikova (BUL) 6-2, 6-3
Kruger loses in second round in Tshwane
Top-ranked South African player, Isabella Kruger, was knocked out in the second round of the Ilana Kloss International, a $25,000 ITF prize-money event, on Thursday by Israel's number four seed Lina Glushko, but not without a fight.
Glushko, 23, advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Kruger in three sets, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, in a match that spanned two hours and 27 minutes.
Kruger, the last South African left in the tournament, was playing in her first tournament since November 2022.
"Today was a tough match, but I'm really happy to be able to compete again; I competed here last year, and it was a good experience, so hopefully the next week will be a good week for me as well," Kruger said.
"I had a great time playing in my home city. I am always grateful to be able to compete in tournaments in my own country rather than having to travel abroad.
The Pretoria-born Kruger, the daughter of late Bulls and Springbok legend Ruben Kruger, believes that these types of tournaments are essential for local players.
"These tournaments are great for South African players to watch and compete against international players.
"It's also beneficial that the matches are broadcast on television to increase exposure for the sport," Kruger added.
Glushko dominated the first set, winning it 6-1, but Kruger fought back in the second. The 17-year-old Kruger won the set in a tiebreak after a long battle in the second set.
The Israeli world No. 245 took control of the final set and proved too strong for Kruger, winning it 6-2.
In the last eight stage, Glushko will face sixth seed Alice Robbe. Robbe defeated Tilwith Di Girolami of Belgium 6-3, 6-2.
In other action, Japanese second seed Mai Hontama defeated French qualifier Manon Leonard 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals, where she will face American eighth seed Emina Bektas.
In another match, Lulu Sun of Switzerland defeated Timea Babos of Hungary, a former world No. 1 doubles player and four-time Grand Slam champion, 6-3, 6-4. The Swiss will face Alina Korneeva of Russia, who defeated Bulgarian Isabella Shinikova in straight sets.
Jenny Duerst of Switzerland also advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating seventh seed Cengiz Berfu of Turkey 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3, to meet world No.2 junior Sofia Costoulas.
Action at the TuksTennis Club, University of Pretoria will continue on Friday with the start of singles matches at 10h00am. Entry to the event is free, and spectators are encouraged to come and watch the matches.
SECOND ROUND RESULTS
[2] Mai Hontama (JPN) bt Manon Leonard (FRA) 6-3, 6-4
[4] Lina Glushko (ISR) bt Isabella Kruger (RSA) 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2
[5] Lulu Sun (SUI) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-3, 6-4
[6] Alice Robbe (FRA) bt Tilwith Di Girolami (BEL) 6-3, 6-2
Jenny Duerst (SUI) bt [7] Berfu Cengiz (TUR) 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3
Emina Bektas (USA) [8] bt Georgina Garcia-Perez (ESP) 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-2
Sofia Costoulas (BEL) bt Alice Tubello (FRA) 6-2, 6-2
Alina Korneeva (RUS) bt Isabella Shinikova (BUL) 6-2, 6-3
