Anastasia Potapova defeated Veronika Kudermetova - 7/5, 7/6 (7-5). The score between the Lions and the Sphinxes became equal again - 2:2.

The day before, Potapova noted that playing against Kudermetova is the most challenging test at the start of the tournament. Over the last two years, the two have met four times, with three instances resulting in thrilling three-set matches.

As they stepped onto the court at the Arena sport complex, the players seemed determined, as if it were not an exhibition tournament, and as if one of them hadn't gotten married yesterday. The game turned out to be worthy of two top-30 WTA tennis players - with spectacular plays, well-executed shots, emotions, and nerves. The audience in the stands was not disappointed and reacted lively to everything happening.

Veronika took an early lead with a break, but at the first change of sides, captains Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dmitry Tursunov charged Anastasia not only with good spirits but also with fighting spirit. She returned to the court, smiling, and soon leveled the score. Kudermetova took the lead again and was serving for the set at 5:4 but lost her game to love. Potapova took the next two games along with the first set.

The back-and-forth continued in the second set. Anastasia led 4:1, Veronika leveled to 4:4. After several extended games, the players reached a tiebreak, where both fought fiercely, and Potapova eventually edged out her opponent. The match lasted 1 hour and 51 minutes.

«Thanks to everyone who cheered for me; you literally pulled me through today», said the victorious Potapova later. «What was it like playing for the first time as a wife? My husband said that if I don't win, I won't have dinner today. So, I had to run faster and more. I also want to say to our captain: 'Sveta, you won this match. Before every point, you told me what to do. Congratulations, Sveta. You're awesome!»