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Makarova Survives Cibulkova’s Comeback at Melbourne Park
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Ekaterina Makarova didn’t make it easy on herself, blowing a one-set, 4-0 lead over Dominika Cibulkova, but the Russian player advanced to the fourth round at the Australian Open with a 6-2, 6-7 (3), 6-3 win.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Ekaterina Makarova of Russia celebrates winning her third round match against Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
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After taking a medical timeout for an injured right elbow in the third set, the 2015 Australian Open semifinalist broke Cibulkova’s serve in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead, then held to win the match in 2 hours and 54 minutes.
Makarova won the last two games of the first set and the first four of the second. But Cibulkova, who had never lost to Makarova in three previous matches, won five games in a row to change the momentum of the game.
“An amazing fight. I got, to be honest, a bit tight at 4-0 in the second set,” Makarova said. “I want to enjoy my win today. It’s my first over Dominika, and she’s a great player.”
Makarova will play either 2016 semifinalist Johanna Konta or former No. 1-ranked Caroline Wozniacki.
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