Timofeeva edges Tararudee in two tie-breaks in Monterrey qualifying

Maria Timofeeva survived a three-set marathon against Lanlana Tararudee, 7-6 2-6 7-6, to reach the final round of qualifying in Monterrey. Two of the three sets went to tie-breaks, and the Uzbek found the decisive points in both, having been overwhelmed in a one-sided second set. Neither server was reliable: Timofeeva and Tararudee each dropped nine double faults, and the Uzbek landed just 59.7% of first serves against Tararudee's 53.8%. The difference came behind the second ball, where Timofeeva won 44.0% of points to her opponent's 37.0%, enough to offset Tararudee's superior 69.8% return of first-serve points won. The win keeps Timofeeva's main-draw hopes alive.