By Adrianna Outlaw | Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Genie Bouchard saved 10 of 12 break points defeating Alexandra Dulgheru, 6-3, 6-4, in her Charleston opener.
Photo credit: Volvo Car Open
Genie Bouchard courted controversy the last time she faced Alexandra Dulgheru. In today's rematch, Bouchard kept a close grip on her serve and emotions advancing to the Charleston second round.
Bouchard saved 10 of 12 break points defeating Dulgheru, 6-3, 6-4.
More: Bouchard to Work With Ex-Coach Saviano in Charleston
The world No. 46 raised her record to 16-7 on the season.
The 17th-seeded Canadian will face Lourdes Dominguez Lino, who beat Christina McHale, for a place in the round of 16.
A year ago, Bouchard declined to shake Dulgheru's hand before Canada hosted Romania in the Fed Cup Playoffs. Dulgheru gained a measure of revenge sweeping Bouchard in her hometown of Montreal then mocking the Canadian's handshake-denial with a hand-fake to members of the Romanian team.
Bouchard broke twice in the second set wrapping up the win in one hour, 54 minutes.
Daria Kasatinka crushed Sasai Zheng, 6-2, 6-1. The 14th-seeded Russian will play Ana Konjuh for a place in the round of 16.
Qualifier Kristina Kucova was a 7-5, 6-2 victor over Madison Brengle.
No. 10-seeded Samantha Stosur saved 16 of 20 break points in a 6-4, 6-4 decision over qualifier Aleksandra Krunic.
American wild card Louisa Chirico won 12 of the last 14 games in a 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Naomi Osaka
Chirico will face fourth-seeded Lucie Safarova, the 2015 French Open finalist, next.
Monica Puig, who fell to eventual-champion Victoria Azarenka in the Miami second round, defeated Lucie Hradecka, 6-3, 6-2, in 68 minutes. Puig takes on sixth-seeded Andrea Petkovic, a former Charleston champion, in round two.