LO 2019 – Finalist Riske expects ‘difficult battle’ against Bertens

Alison Riske and grass are a golden combination. Before the American travelled to Rosmalen and reached the final by winning four times, she won the grass court tournament of Surbiton. Many players are still recovering from the clay season but for Riske the final of the Libéma Open will be her tenth competition on grass this year.

Riske escaped a defeat in the semi-final in Rosmalen in the tiebreak of the third set against the 22 year old Russian Veronika Kudermetova. She expressed her love for grass courts once again afterwards. “It is my favourite surface. It fits my play and I feel comfortable with my flat hits, attacking play and good returns.”

She has to find a way to beat Kiki Bertens to continue her 10 unbeaten run. However, Holland’s number one won the three previous meetings. “She has always been a difficult opponent for me. It will be a difficult battle and I have to play attacking to have a chance against her,” according to Riske, who knows what a challenge it is to beat Bertens.

“She fights for every point, that makes her a top player. She has a big serve and solid groundstrokes.  In addition she is very good in switching her backhand with slice and drop shots. She is allround. I will have to give it all.”