AEGON International Eastbourne Round 1

On grass. On message.

The artistically inclined French number 1 has blotted out the blues of the red surface, brushing aside Gisela Dulko on the green grass of England. A fine exhibition of Marion's grass court strengths including a deadly return of serve, got Marion's grass court season off to an accomplished start.

From the moment Marion broke her opponents serve in the opening game it was one way traffic.

However a few nerves seemed to creep in as Marion attempted to serve out the set at 5-2 - two double faults gifted the world number 37 a break retrieval for 5-3.

Fiercesome face made no mistake in the next game, breaking Dulko to love for the set, 6-3.

An opening hold to love set the tone of the 2nd set, with merciless Marion subjugating the Argentine for a 5-0 lead.

But to Dulko's credit she fought hard to avert the ignominious bagel, saving two match points on her own serve in what was the longest game of the match.

In contrast to the end of the first set, Marion cleanly served out the 2nd set and the match without difficulty.

A hassle free opener from our hero. Magnifique!

Marion will play Anna Chakvetadze in the next round, who overcame Jelena Jankovic in three sets.

STATISTICS

On Serve Stats

GD MB

Aces 1 1
Double faults 5 4
1st serve % 60% 52%
1st serve points won 53% 70%
2nd serve points won 19% 67%
Break points saved 5/11 2/4
Service games played 8 8

On Return Stats

1st return points won 30% 47%
2nd return points won 33% 81%
Break points won 2/4 6/11
Return games played 8 8

On points

Total service points won 40% 68%
Total return points won 32% 60%
Total points won 36% 64%

Duration 1: 04: 34

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Updated 17:10