Tyra Grant exited the WTA 125 tournament in Palermo on July 22 after a hard-fought match, losing to Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek with a score of 4-6, 6-7. Zidansek, a former world number 22, had to work diligently to secure her place in the second round.
In the match’s early stages, the young Italian player started strong, quickly taking a 3-1 lead. However, Zidansek demonstrated her resilience by breaking Grant’s serve and leveling the set at three games apiece. From there, Zidansek maintained her momentum, eventually leading 5-3 after taking advantage of a lapse from Grant. Despite this, the Italian proved her fighting spirit, breaking back in a pivotal ninth game. Zidansek had two opportunities to close out the set but Grant managed to level the score, showcasing a remarkable cross-court backhand. Ultimately, despite her best efforts, Grant dropped the first set 4-6.
The second set saw a fierce back-and-forth, with Zidansek initially taking a 2-0 lead. The crowd rallied behind Grant, who displayed some impressive winners from the baseline. After battling back to tie the set at 4-4, she faced another surge from Zidansek, who regained a 5-4 advantage. Grant’s tenacity shone through as she once again leveled the score, only to fall short in the subsequent games. The match culminated in a tiebreak, where Grant, down 1-4, fought hard to reach 5-5. However, Zidansek’s experience prevailed, and she clinched the tiebreak 7-5, concluding a match that lasted nearly two hours.
This performance highlights Grant’s potential as a rising talent in women’s tennis, demonstrating her capability to compete against seasoned players. While the loss is disappointing, it serves as a valuable learning experience for the 17-year-old, who has shown glimpses of her talent and resilience on the court. Her determination and skill suggest a bright future, and fans can look forward to her continued growth in the sport.