Diane Parry advances in Monterrey after Vekic comeback

Diane Parry has extended her strong run into the Monterrey last 16, defeating the higher-ranked Donna Vekic in the opening round. The win follows Parry’s run to the Cincinnati last 16 and lifts her to 45th in the provisional rankings, which would surpass her previous career high of 47th. She entered the tournament ranked 50th after opting to play in Mexico before the final Grand Slam of the season.

Parry overcame Vekic, ranked 36th, 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 18 minutes. She did not drop serve, although the Croatian took the opening set in a 7-5 tie-break after moving 5-2 ahead. Vekic had also beaten Parry at last year’s Australian Open.

The Frenchwoman responded immediately in the second set by breaking early and protected that advantage despite needing six set points to level the match. She then converted all three of her break opportunities in the deciding set, taking control with breaks at 1-1, 3-1 and 5-1. Parry will next face Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, the world No. 46, who defeated Egypt’s Mayar Sherif 6-3, 6-4. Parry won their only previous meeting, in Wimbledon qualifying last year, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.