Google News Alison Riske reflects on stunning comeback win over Garbine Muguruza in Indian Wells
by DZEVAD MESIC
World No. 53 Alison Riske created a stunning comeback at the Indian Wells Masters to send former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza packing out of the event. Muguruza, seeded at No. 8, absolutely dominated the first set but Riske recovered to win 0-6 6-3 6-1 and progress into the Indian Wells third round.
It was the fifth meeting between the two and Riske's third consecutive win over Muguruza. "This was a much more rewarding win in the fashion that I did it, over had it been an easy two-setter," Riske said following the comeback.
"I could have easily checked out and been out of there in 30 minutes, really. So I am very proud of that fact ... It's never over till it's over."
Riske achieves her best ever Indian Wells result
Riske, 31, made the Indian Wells third round for the first time in her career following a shock Muguruza win.
“I played this tournament so many times. Hopefully we're not ending here, but my best result thus far is coming when I'm 31 years old. I'm very proud about that," Riske added. "I don't think the best days are behind me either, which I think is really exciting”.
Muguruza made a stunning start to the match as she broke Riske three times and didn't face a single break point in the set to easily win the opener. After easily winning the first set, Muguruza started the second set with a 3-0 lead.
Just when it seemed that Riske might lose without a game won, she claimed four breaks in a row and won eight consecutive games to overturn the deficit and take a 0-6 6-3 2-0 lead. Muguruza broke back Riske in the third game of the third set to end the American's eight-game run.
Getting broken back didn't impact Riske, who responded by earning back-to-back breaks and winning four consecutive games to complete a comeback win.