First set turned out to be key to the whole match (as it usually is).
Iga will definitely have some regrets not being able to keep the minibreak and having a set point in the tiebreaker.
Once she lost the first set the match went pretty quickly with Eala breaking straight away.
I did see some improvement with Iga fighting in the 2nd set and getting the break back even having chances to get back on serve. But it was a bit too little too late.
Iga getting the fist set back into a tiebreak after getting broken and Eala serving for it was encouraging as well.
The whole set had plenty of quality points and rallies (amongst the errors) Iga's game is still definitely there but the confidence and conviction in her shots is not.
I suppose it's hard to be that way when you've mostly suffered losses for the entirety of this first half of the season.
Despite another straight sets loss, the first set did give me hope that champion Iga is still in there she just has to believe in herself again.
Lot's of theories and opinions on what Iga should do next as usual.
But once again only Iga knows the answer so there's really no point speculating.
I had fairly low expectation going into this given how her season has gone. I'm still a little sad and disappointed but not at the usual level.
Because I know Iga is struggling, and she's trying hard to find herself again.
I won't say it hasn't been tough to watch her as a fan going through these struggles because it really has (sometimes I just want to give her a big hug and say it'll all be ok)
I also realize it's entirely possible that finding her game again may take the rest of this year.
Above all I just want Iga to find some joy in tennis again. If she can find even half the level she had, it'll help her win matches and get that confidence back.
I hope she has a nice break before returning on the hard court swing,
I know she'll probably spend part of that time looking for a second coach (as she said she would after Wimbledon). I wish her all the best with that.
Hopefully whoever she decides on will help her.
I do wish for the media and her fans to be more kind to her, she's already her own worst critic and puts enough pressure on herself as it is.
Everyone needs to remind themselves that Iga is human and a little support instead of constant ridicule might go a long way.
I'm really proud of Iga for making it through the first round and trying her best in subsequent matches despite the low confidence, win rate and all that.
She still is and always will be a Wimbledon and 6 time Grand Slam Champion.
Whatever else no one can take that away.
At only 25 she has plenty of time to improve and figure things out. When she does it'll all click for her again.
Till than we wait and we believe.
Jazda!
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