Cornet vs Fruhvirtova: When youth confronts experience
13-year-old Brenda Fruhvirtova will make history just by taking the court on Saturday. But The Prodigy from the Czech Republic has bigger dreams in mind as she prepares to square off with a woman more than twice her age. That would be The Volcano, Alizé Cornet, a savvy veteran who has experience on her side.
Fruhvirtova proved that her jaw-dropping talents are good enough to challenge the best in the world earlier this month when she thumped world No. 54 Katerina Siniakova in an exhibition.
“The other players are afraid,” explained UTS commentator Pete Odgers. “She’s only 13 years old; no one wants that loss on the resume. She has an advantage – the pressure is off her. She can just enjoy it out there. How does she adapt? Does she go into her shell? Does she come out and play even better on the big stage? This is where it’s going to be brilliant. We’re going to learn a lot.”
Cornet has more than 400 WTA victories
The former world No.11 has earned more than 400 WTA match victories, but she’ll face a unique challenge on Saturday as she attempts to school the youngest player to ever compete at UTS.
“What a fun player to watch,” Odgers said of Cornet. “She likes long rallies; she’s a great mover. She’s got great variety, good hand skills, she can mix up the spins, the speed. She might struggle with the emotional roller coaster ride whenever you watch Alizé Cornet. She’s a lovely person off the court, and we’re going to bring that character out for everyone to see. I can’t wait to watch it.”
Cornet will have to assert her physical dominance early and often to keep the kid from rising to the top of the class.
