A Hard-Fought Victory on the Simonne-Mathieu Court: In a captivating match at the Paris Olympics 2024, Spanish duo Cristina Bucsa and Sara Sorribes Tormo secured a hard-fought victory against Ukrainian twins Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok in the Women’s Doubles Quarter-final. Held on Thursday, 1 August 2024, on Court Simonne-Mathieu, the match showcased high drama and exceptional skill, culminating in a three-set thriller. Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo, seeded eighth, emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 2-6, [12-10], in a contest that lasted 1 hour and 41 minutes.
First Set: Spanish Pair Takes Early Lead
The first set saw Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo taking an early lead, capitalizing on their strong service game and consistent play. With a first serve success rate of 71% and winning 13 out of 20 points on their first serve, the Spanish pair dominated the set. Their aggressive approach at the net and precise returns pressured the Kichenok twins into making numerous errors. The Ukrainians struggled with their first serve accuracy, hitting only 44%, which allowed Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo to break their serve four times. Despite the Kichenok sisters’ best efforts, including winning 50% of their receiving points, they could not match the Spaniards’ intensity, ending the set at 6-3.
Second Set: Kichenok Twins Fight Back
The second set was a turnaround as the Kichenok twins found their rhythm, improving their first serve accuracy to 78% and winning 13 out of 18 points on their first serve. Their improved performance put the Spanish team on the back foot, with the Kichenok twins’ aggressive play and strategic placement earning them the set 6-2. Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo struggled with their returns and were unable to break the Ukrainians’ serve, while the Kichenok twins successfully converted two out of four break points. The Ukrainian pair’s superior service winners (14 to Spain’s 8) and reduced unforced errors (8 compared to Spain’s 8) were critical in leveling the match.
Third Set: Decisive and Dramatic Tie-break
The third and final set was a nail-biting tie-break that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Both teams showed remarkable resilience and determination. Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo displayed a near-perfect serve with 73% accuracy, winning 3 out of 8 points on their first serve and 3 out of 3 on their second. The Kichenok twins also showed tenacity, maintaining an 82% first serve rate. However, the match was ultimately decided by a few crucial points, with the Spanish duo clinching the tie-break 12-10. Their consistency and fewer unforced errors in the final moments were key to their triumph.
Match Statistics: A Game of Margins
Overall, the match statistics reflected a closely contested battle. The Spanish pair served 1 ace and committed only 1 double fault, while the Kichenok twins served 1 ace but struggled with 4 double faults. The total points won by the Ukrainians were slightly higher (65 to 60), highlighting the intense competition. However, Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo’s ability to capitalize on crucial break points and maintain a higher first serve percentage (73% compared to 64%) made the difference.
Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo’s tenacity and strategic play saw them through a challenging match, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Doubles at the Paris Olympics 2024. This victory is a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unyielding spirit as they move forward in their quest for Olympic glory.
