KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — The local challenge in the ALYA WTA Malaysian Open singles event ended today following Jawairiah Noordin’s defeat in the first round of qualifiers at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
Despite a good start in the match, Jawairiah failed to sustain the pace, losing 6-4, 6-1 to World No 172 Tereza Martincova of the Czech Republic in 78 minutes.
The World No 1,052 Malaysian led 2-0 and broke Tereza’s serve twice in the first set but her opponent kept cool and won the crucial points to close it.
Jawairiah was almost out of breath in the second set and she failed to keep up the momentum before exiting the singles competition.
The disappointed Jawairiah announced after the match that she will not play the singles competition anymore in the ALYA Malaysian Open.
“I failed to win a match on my fifth ALYA Malaysian Open attempt. If I am offered a wild card next year, I will hand it to an upcoming local player,” said Jawairiah today.
“My confidence grew after I led 2-0 in the first set and even led 40-30 in subsequent games but I could close them. Maybe, Tereza was psychologically better prepared today.
“I felt shortness of breath in the second set. I suffer from asthma and maybe, my condition made me tired. I think I will focus more on doubles after this.
“I have been thinking about concentrating more on doubles since last year. I will give myself until the Sea Games in August and decide from there.”
Jawairiah said Malaysians must play abroad regularly to attain experience.
“The forehand and backhand between us and top foreign players are about the same. But they hold advantage in terms of footwork, mental strength and maybe, fitness.
“Our national players should be spending more time playing in overseas tournaments instead of just training at home,” said Jawairiah.
