PARIS, May 24, 2016

Andrea Petkovic made her way into the second round at Roland Garros with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Laura Robson. The 28th seed from Germany broke her opponent’s service six times to secure victory in one hour and 22 minutes.

“I am really pleased with the result. Playing the first round is never easy. Conditions were tough, you had to hit the ball very hard,” Petkovic told afterwards and still found things to improve.

“My percentage with the first serves has to be better in the next matches and I still need to work on my backhand but overall I am happy with the victory. I really enjoy playing and working hard every day.”

By the end of last year, Petkovic announced the partnership with her coach Jan de Witt. As their best results this season, the 28-year-old reached the quarterfinals in Doha as well as the semis in Doha.

Andrea Petkovic

“I feel as a better player compared to last year. My team does everything in order to support me. Of course, it is me, who has to deliver on court. The results might not have been the best so far but I am on a good way.”

She has to share her coach with Gilles Simon.

“We just try not to practice and play at the same time. This has been worked out pretty well so far. Jan stays with the player, who stays longer in the tournament. But there is also Simon Goffin to support me.” 

Petkovic is one of only a few adidas players, who does not wear the “Zebra-style at Roland Garros.

“It wasn’t my personal choice. I am with another collection but the zebra-attire is … I don’t know, let me say ok. I would have made it differently but I am not a designer and have no clue of fashion,” Petkovic laughed.

The world number 31 will next step into doubles action with Sabine Lisicki, who lost on Monday her singles match in straight sets.

“I haven’t seen her so far but I hope that it will be successful tomorrow. I will try to do my best giving her positive thinking.” 

Laura Robson

Laura Robson was obviously not in the best mood.

“It’s hard to be positive right now. I feel like I had a lot of chances. There was a lot of games that went to deuce, and it was also my brain switching off at deuce every time, which sucks really. No other way of putting it. Yeah, so much to work on. First serve percentage needs to be better. Forehand strike needs to get better. Lots to work on. Right now, very disappointed,” Robson said.

Petkovic’s German compatriot Julia Görges also knocked out a Brit to reach the second round. The 27-year-old won 6-2, 6-3 against Johanna Konta.

Julia Görges